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HFSQ and A - Martha Lourey-Bird
Martha Lourey-Bird, exercise scientist, WeightWatchers magazine fitness editor, author and proud mum shares her personal fitness strategy, top tips for home fitness and how lifestyle changes can pave the way to weight loss. Martha is the star of Workout World's latest TV campaign.
Q. What is your typical fitness regime?
I exercise my fit dog first thing every morning - either a long walk (one hour) or a shorter run (half an hour) depending on my time restraints that day. I also fit in two resistance training sessions per week using strength equipment and try to stretch as much as possible.
Q. What fitness equipment do you enjoy using and why?
Weights - because they are so effective in terms of building muscle tone, increasing metabolism, strengthening bones and preventing the effects of ageing (i.e. gravity!).
When doing my weights workout, I train my total body by doing at least three sets of resistance exercises for all major body parts. I have to go to a gym to use free weights and machines as I don't have any at home, but maybe I should talk to Workout World about getting some!
Q. What is your favourite form of exercise and why?
I'm a working mum with two kids So these days my favourite exercise is walking! Anyone can do it - either outdoors or indoors on a treadmill.
Q. What words of wisdom would you give to Australians looking to keep fit at home?
It is do-able. Just start small…all it takes is the right mindset. You do not have to be obsessed about exercise for it to be effective. It truly is the little things that count.
Oh - and there's the all important “fun factor” - exercise should not be a form of punishment but a reward for you and your body. I feel so passionate about this that I wrote a book about it - Exercise and the F word… Fun!
Q. What advice would you give to Australians looking to buy home fitness equipment?
Make sure you purchase something you know how to use and that you actually enjoy doing as you'll be far more likely to stick with it. Remember you can't purchase the actual motivation to exercise when you buy the piece of equipment - that needs to come from within you. It also helps if you choose a reputable fitness equipment retailer such as Workout World. They have been around for a long time and have trained staff that can help you choose suitable equipment and teach you how to use it properly.
Q. What are your top three tips for Australians seeking to achieve their fitness goals?
Exercise should be Easy to fit in to your lifestyle - convenience is very important for adherence. It should be Effective - giving you real results for your time and effort.
And it should be Enjoyable so that you actually look forward to the next session. If it's not these three things - Easy, Effective and Enjoyable - then you need to make some changes if you want exercise to give you all it can and be a permanent part of your lifestyle.
Q. When it comes to staying fit and healthy, who inspires you?
My children are my greatest inspirations - they motivate me to exercise so that I can not only be a healthy, active mum but also a great role model for them too. Active parents are twice as likely to have active children. So, because children tend to ‘do as you do' (rather than as you say), it's important that they see me exercising and enjoying it if they are going to have a positive relationship with exercise too.
Q. You've worked in the health and fitness field for nearly two decades in many countries. What are some of the most important lessons you've learnt during that time?
The most important lesson is to ensure that your exercise information is from a reputable source. There are so many myths out there and the best way around them all is to ensure your exercise information is from fitness specialists.
Q. As the fitness editor for WeightWatchers magazine, what are some of the most common questions people ask you about losing weight?
So often I get asked about the best way to lose weight. But there is no quick fix or a magic cure. If something sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
It all comes down to energy-in versus energy-out. Basically if you eat too much and do too little you'll put weight on and you won't lose that weight till you start reversing your bad habits. Keep in mind that if you've gradually put on weight over years, you can't expect to lose it all in days! But gradual change (rather than rapid weight loss) is more likely to be permanent so look for lifestyle changes that can last a lifetime - not a short-term fad.
Q. What's the biggest challenge about keeping fit with two small kids in tow?
Time. I have become an expert at time management and multitasking!
Q. What is keeping you busy these days?
My website launch! Check it out: www.marthaloureybird.com.au
Martha's book, Exercise and the F Word…Fun! is available in all good book stores and is published by Insight Publications ($24.95 RRP). Available for purchase from www.insightpublications.com.au
