Once the holidays are over it's time to hit the gym like a ton of bricks, so for this month’s What’s Her Secret? we snagged one of the fittest people we know Eva Redpath. Eva is a Group Fitness Instructor at the uber swanky gym Equinox in Toronto (the Rolls Royce of gyms) and is Canada’s first and only Nike Master Trainer. Neither rain, sleet and definitely not snow can slow her down, check her Instagram account for proof; we can’t help but be in awe of her energy and love for fitness. Looking for New Year motivation and how you can lead a healthier lifestyle? She has the answers and you’ll want to read them.
Astrological sign: Cancer
Most played song on your iPod: Swedish House Mafia “One (Your Name)” featuring Pharrell Williams
Dancing shoes or running shoes: Running shoes
Kale or spinach: Organic kale
It’s the start of the New Year and everybody is hitting the gym hard after overindulging throughout the holidays. How can people stay motivated and maintain their fitness goals when their New Year resolutions aren’t so new anymore?
Resolutions are a good thing in general, however if you find you often fall off-track early into the New Year, chances are you’re setting unrealistic goals. Rather than go ‘big’ try to create simple resolutions that can be broken down into mini-goals. Make yourself accountable by writing them down, telling a friend and coming up with a plan. If you do fall off your fitness goals, don't beat yourself up and leave room to adjust your routine. Continue immediately and don't throw away the successes you've already achieved. Just because you've had a few bad days, doesn't mean you failed!
I have five key tips I advise my clients, friends and community to follow. They’re not super complicated and totally worthwhile!
- DO create a plan. Setting a goal is merely the first step. Know where you’re going, what resources you’ll need and what Plan B is when life throws you a curve ball.
- DO write it down. The act of writing down your goal can be powerful enough to keep you committed and focused. At the end of each day rate the day. How did you do today? Sometimes seeing a visual makes it seem more possible and will continue your dedication.
- DO be specific. Avoid words such as “some” and “more” as in “I will get some more exercise.” It leaves too much wiggle room to bend the rules. If goals are not measurable, you may not be able to see the improvements. The latest health apps make it easy to track your progress and this one by Equinox is a favourite.
- DO leave room for failure. Don’t expect perfection because really, persistence is key. Why not accept the fact that you may not achieve your biggest goal on the first try. That’s OK!
- DO reward your success. Don’t beat yourself up over failure. This is not the approach to take to succeed with your goals. Why not focus on what you’re doing right instead? When you achieve one of your smaller goals, celebrate it with a reward that won’t knock you off your path. This will only motivate you to keep going!
You’re in better shape than pretty much anyone we know but do you eat junk food, like ever? If yes, how do you manage your guilty food pleasures?
Call it a “cheat day” or “treat day” or “fun meal.” Whatever concept works for you, we all need to reward our healthy living regiments with an attitude of honouring our hard work however we see fit. When integrated properly, Treat Days can really be beneficial when trying to stick to your diet.
I eat pretty much everything – no food groups are totally off limits. Eighty percent of the time I stick to lots of green salads, smoothies, lean proteins including meat, nuts and a daily dose of pure dark chocolate. In general, my attitude is not to just ‘indulge’ in anything – unless it’s totally worth it. Pure, dark chocolate, flourless cake or an organic, grass fed burger. A little wine is always nice too. Real food, real ingredients! If you skimp on cheaper, processed foods you’re bound to feel it – low energy, bloated stomach, etc. It’s not worth it! The only thing you’d be cheating would be yourself and your taste buds. Equinox's Q Blog has delicious recipes for when you run out of ideas.
Let’s talk body envy; it can be a motivator but often a downer. What are your words of wisdom to women who don’t feel good about themselves?
Be aware of self-sabotaging thoughts. Self-sabotage is a combination of thoughts, feelings and actions that create a roadblock to success by working against your own self-interests. It affects your motivation and is deliberate subversion. Often when you compare yourself with others, you may find yourself falling into this negative category.
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
How? Recognize It: The first step is to identify how you’re sabotaging yourself and the effect it has on you. Check it: recognize it, check it and forget it so it’s out of our system. Bring it back to you: don’t focus on other's bodies, focus on your goals. You’re well on your way to being where you want to be if you change the focus from body envy to inspiration!
Who were your role models growing up?
My mom; she’s my best friend and biggest cheerleader.
Finish this sentence: I want women around the world to ___________.
To love themselves, know their worth and to stick together.
When you’re not in the gym or working out, what are your three favourite go-to pieces in your wardrobe?
Outside of Equinox, I’m sportswear all the way. My collection of Nike kicks is quiet extensive from Sky Hi Dunks to Air Max, hats, scarves, tech pant and poncho, gym vintage tank, printed wind runner and leggings – the brighter, busier and bolder the better.
If you could create a recipe for happiness, what would it contain and why?
Friendship, family, love, laughter, nutritious food and daily sweat!
Name a famous person (celebrity or historical figure) you would like to do brunch with and why?
Actress, activist and fitness guru Jane Fonda; she’s beautiful, engaged and multitalented person. I credit Jane (and my older sister) for my career in fitness. It was dressing up in leg warmers, thong bodysuits, learning the box step and grapevine in my living room in the 1980s where it all started.
