Fitness journeys are entirely personal, individual things that can vary dramatically from person-to-person. To continue our dive into the fitness journeys of the Innermost community, we caught up with Innermost ambassador, Sportsworld marketing co-ordinator and fitness fanatic Izzy to get the lowdown on her fitness journey so far, her biggest lessons, challenges and advice, and more.
Hi Izzy! Welcome to Insight. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your fitness and gains journey?
“I’m Izzy, I’m 21 and I have just finished studying Fashion Marketing and Branding at uni! After months of job applications, I have finally landed the perfect role as a Marketing Coordinator for Sportsworld – a hospitality provider for worldwide sporting events across the world!
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved sports and fitness... I played for all teams at school and even competed nationally for cross country and athletics!”
How did you begin your fitness journey, and what inspired you?
“I remember throughout my first year at university, I would occasionally go to the gym with my £10 rubber resistance band from Amazon, however it was when the pandemic begun, and we all had to stay at home when I really had time to focus on myself and learn more about my body and how to essentially gain weight to look and feel stronger!
Again, I want to emphasise... I was never upset with how I looked, I just became more and more involved and educated with how to increase muscle mass and essentially look stronger! Some of my favourite and most influential Instagrammers who helped me with this was Meggan Grubb, Sarah’s Day and Grace Beverley.
Around April 2020, I weighed about 54KG and in February (this year) I hit the 60kg mark, reflecting my muscle gain journey. However, I don’t stress what I see on the scale... I haven’t actually weighed myself in ages!”
What worked for you / what are your top tips for people on their own fitness journey?
There are three main things…
- Make sure you educate yourself
“I think this was an important one for me and I’m still learning now. But really educate yourself on two things that are important for me: nutrition and exercises. By no means can you just understand either of those two important factors, teach yourself and then you can learn what exercises work best for you.”
- Maintain a high protein intake
“Exercising do gain muscle will do nothing without an adequate intake of protein. I know some people do track what they eat but personally, I’ve never done this, and I have still seen significant changes, and this is simply by prioritising protein. So, for each meal I try to make sure I work around a source of protein, and there is so many out there!”
Innermost side note
PS... Check out our Insight ariticles around this topic, such as The 5 Best Sources of Vegan Protein and The Best High Protein Foods For Building Muscle.
“Also, there are so many slight changes you can make to add a little more protein into your diet. For example, rather than buying normal Weetabix, buy Protein Weetabix! Or instead of buying normal yogurt, buy yogurt that is high in protein! There’s a lot of small replacements you can make that, in the long term, will make a huge difference!”
- Balance and consistency is key
“I can happily say going to the gym is no longer a burden for me, it’s part of my routine and day-to-day life. If you want to make long term changes to your body, you need to be consistent... stick with it, it won’t be easy, but you can’t expect to see changes in a week!
“Despite my passion for the gym, I never cut anything out of my life... I still drink alcohol, I still have fun, I still see my friends and I still eat anything I want. It’s just my priorities that have changed since I was younger.”
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
“I think my biggest challenge was the fear of using certain equipment in the gym and I still have it now for certain exercises! As you grow and become more educated, you become more confident. Everyone must start somewhere, and everyone has been in the same position. Although you may think they’re judging
you, they’re most likely not... you’re in the gym for yourself!”
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt during your fitness journey so far?
“That you need to be consistent and balanced... I think they’re my two most important factors that I would tell anyone! I really believe in knowing the female body is capable of so much and you shouldn’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Now, I am the strongest version of myself, both physically and mentally: you
become so much more motivated, driven, and happy in general life. Whatever your goal is, whether that be to lose weight, gain muscle or change your mental mindset, it’s so achievable.”
What’s next in the muscle gain and fitness journey for you, Izzy?
“I just want to continue living my life. I’m so happy with where I am at the moment. I have a job within the industry I am most passionate for meanwhile I love to help and educate people on my fitness account.”
