Female Powerlifter Katie Cornish in a Mirafit gym. 20kg weight plates are visible behind her.

This year, National Fitness Day falls on September 26 2018. To help celebrate, we caught up with powerlifter, personal trainer and all-round fitness inspiration Katie Cornish, to find out what fitness means to her.

WHAT DOES FITNESS MEAN TO YOU?

Generally, it’s about looking after my mental health and wellbeing. I remember being overweight – by about 4-5 stone – when I had my first child. I now have two children who are aged 16 and 11.

I got into bad eating habits and I just wasn’t looking after myself. I thought, I have to be a mum now, I had just made no time for myself.

Now, fitness is about getting some me time. It’s rewarding, especially when I start seeing results.

When I started out, I went to a few classes, I went to Zumba. It helped me stay committed because I found something I enjoyed.

I always say to clients you have to find something you enjoy. That way, you can stay on track and the other stuff will follow.

It’s a lifestyle.

HOW DOES FITNESS BENEFIT YOU?

Female Powerlifter Katie Cornish loading bumper plates onto bumper plate storage poles

It keeps me organised, mentally and physically. I feel more awake and relaxed and it just helps me to feel good about myself.

WHY IS IT GOOD TO STAY STRONG?

Being physically strong makes me mentally strong. It gives me purpose and it really helps when you’re in a man’s world. It really gives me confidence.

Also, women can suffer from things like osteoporosis. Lifting weights can help prevent that. Weightlifting is also better for getting leaner.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO WORK OUT?

I like to do compound lifting so squats, deadlift and bench presses. I also love my HIITs and slow steady state cardio. For that, you need to do a lot of walking while keeping your heartrate no more than 110-115bpm. I get all my clients doing that for around 40-60 minutes a day.

Fitness helps with my mental wellbeing as it’s a chance to get out and meet friends and have a chat.

WHEN IT COMES TO FITNESS, WHAT MOTIVATES YOU THE MOST?

I just want to be a better version of me, while inspiring other women who also have children, a family and a home life, that it can be done.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF MIRAFIT KIT?

Female powerlifter Katie Cornish next to 5kg weight plates, 15kg weight plates and 25 kg weight plates.

I like the Bumper Plates! They’re definitely my favourite. They’re great for the compound lifting side of things. I also love my new M2 Pull Up Bar too.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

I want to stress that the consistency is key. I have been on my journey for 14 years! Fitness is a lifestyle and you have to be committed and in it for the long haul. Many people want quick fixes but when it comes down to it, it’s about having a balance of hard work and a healthy diet.

You can find Katie on Instagram @kt_cornish_

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Tags: Misc > Lifestyle