Ornagh is a coach on the Crossfit European Gymnastic seminar team and widely regarded as being the premier CrossFit specific Gymnastics coach in Ireland. We sat down with her to find out about her philosophy on health and fitness, and whether she had any vices!
"I was a gymnast as a child and love anything that involves being able to tumble, stretch, move your body and be strong. I found Crossfit when I lived in America and fell in love with it. It had so many cool, fun elements for any level of fitness. I began working on the Crossfit Gymnastics staff and got to travel around Europe teaching and learning. These days I have my own studio where I focus on building people's strength and mobility to improve their quality of life! I'm a strong believer that getting in shape shouldn’t be a punishment. It’s an amazing and empowering lifestyle decision that anyone can achieve. While there may be a sore muscle or two along the way, the amount of fun and levels of energy you will experience will far exceed the discomfort. My advice to anyone reading this is to discover and appreciate what your body is capable of. You might surprise yourself!
Favourite Innermost products, and why?
The Fit Protein because I'm into CrossFit and having a blend that contains the right electrolytes, superfoods and protein to gets me properly refuelled after an intense workout is brilliant. The Energy Booster to keep my myself energised during a workout and to ensure I'm getting the right branched chain amino acids to fuel me properly as I go through my movements.
What's your hustle?
I make people stronger and flexible. I want people to learn how to move their bodies correctly and to discover what they're capable of.
What do you do to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
I like to keep my days varied. Working is important but I also need to unwind at the end of the day. I usually take a stroll by the sea in the evening to reflect on the day and breathe in the fresh air.
What does #liveinnermost mean to you?
Your body is the best instrument you'll ever own. Learning to love it and see what it's capable of is fascinating. Don't fixate on how you look and instead take pride in what you can do no matter how big or small.
Usual breakfast?
Without fail, I start my day with scrambled egg whites, Piccoli tomatoes, half an avocado and a coconut milk latte!
Biggest health vice?
Chocolate and cakes and chocolate and cakes! I love to bake and have the worst sweet tooth in the world. I have to really limit myself and it takes a lot of work.
Your last workout?
I spent time practicing tempo muscle-ups on the rings as part of my gymnastic strength training. And then did some rowing (cardio is not my forte).
What's on your bucket list?
Machu Picchu! I'm lucky to have seen some amazing parts of the world but this has been somewhere I've been craving to see for a long time. I'm planning to get there some time soon.
Favourite inspirational quote/words?
"I know nothing with any certainty but the sight of the stars makes me dream" - Vincent Van Gogh. He's my favourite artist. I even have the quote tattooed on my body. To me, the quote means that no matter what uncertainties there are in life, you can look at the vastness of the world and let yourself dream of all the endless possibilities ahead.
Where do you see yourself in three years? Be bold!
I want my to build my own facility, I have a dream design and it keeps me motivated everyday to work hard!
Want to hang with Ornagh a little more? Check her out on Instagram (@ornagh_morechalk) and her website (www.morechalk.com).
