Each month at Beauty In Strength we highlight one of our valuable members that has put extraordinary effort into her fitness. BiS is about recognising the pure Beauty we have in every aspect of our lives. It’s not just about how we turn up everyday to training it’s how we ‘show up’ to life on a day to day basis.
Please introduce yourself and tell me a little about yourself and your work?
My name is Naoko, I am Japanese, grew up in Tokyo, have lived in Singapore, NY, Milan, London and Hong Kong. Moved to Brisbane a bit over 1 year ago for my twin children’s (one girl and one boy) education. My husband is originally from Queensland but he travels extensively, so it has not been easy for me and I’m still adapting! Comparing to the other places I have lived, I find Brisbane unique, quite difficult to get used to, but I admire Brizzie lifestyle which is laidback and health-conscious. I was amazed at the number of gyms I see on every corner and people start the day very early in the morning exercising! I enjoy team sports and have spent much of my time in Hong Kong (2010-2016) in dragon boat team training hard and competing in the races. Other passions of mine are snowboarding, cooking and yes, eating! I have experience as a cooking instructor specialising in Japanese and Italian food. I am a retired United Airlines flight attendant.
What does Beauty In Strength mean to you?
For me it’s the ongoing search for a balanced happy life and fighting back the ageing process. A healthy body means a healthy mind, BiS gives me the motivation to challenge, achievable goal setting I need, I see the workouts as my daily homework. Sometimes I see myself pushing my workout down the priority list, but I try to make time and always feel satisfied and gain a bit of confidence once completed. I also love the community feel to, a group sharing our progress and Darcia always there to lead and motivate us. Finally my young daughter also seems to understand the BiS philosophy by watching Darcia’s video together and saw me exercising, kind of like my own live in coach, she knows how to push me during workouts!
What were your initial goals before starting the BiS program?
It was at the perfect timing when Darcia introduced me to BiS. First year since I moved to here was tough. Three movings in a year and change of environments wore me out mentally and work out time had been completely dropped from my priority. It had been months since I went to the gym and obviously I became so out of shape! I wanted to breakthrough my bad routine and asked Darcia for help to get back fitness to my daily life, which was my initial goal when I think about it. It was then I joined BiS Round 3.
How do you think your sessions have helped you?
I feel better, my inner strength is maintained, perhaps improved. I think I look better.
It was only up to 20mins a day but it gave me such satisfaction the fact that I dedicated my time for workouts and that I’m looking after myself. As I continue, I could see my fitness level has been gradually improving and experiencing less fatigue. Once completing the 30-day program I loved the feeling of accomplishment and I was very happy that my overseas friends complimented my little success.
In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of exercising?
Healthy body, healthy mind, happy life!
Has the BiS philosophy helped you in your everyday life? How?
Absolutely. As much as I care how I look I do want to stay healthy and strong for my age. I’ll turn 50 next year and I realise I can’t beat my age in many ways. However, I’m hoping to feel comfortable in myself and keep making an effort to be stronger and look better. Getting a little older should not stand in the way of one’s health, even our vanity. BiS teaches me the strengthening of both mind and body brings me a happy ongoing life.
What would you say to someone who’s looking at getting started?
Just do it, don’t overthink it. Make it part of your day to day, your week to week, be positive, leverage the BiS community for some strength.
Share your success. Is there something happening in your life right now that you are proud of? Our BiS community would love to celebrate with you
Still early days, a work in progress, but I’ve started an introductory course in sports nutrition. Over time I hope to build my knowledge across diet, nutrition and healthy cooking. As an aside, also great for my children’s performance improvement in their sports activities.