We recently sat down with PT, fitness influencer and Innermost Insider Maiken Brustad to find out more about what health and fitness means to her, her biggest achievements, and her plans for the future.
Hey Maiken! So what's your hustle?
My hustle is the mindset that I never give up if I want to do something.
What does #liveinnermost mean to you?
Innermost to me means passion and to be passionate about your life and what you do.
Your favourite Innermost products and why?
I love The Strong Protein powder in chocolate because it tastes amazing and it makes me feel stronger. I also love The Detox Booster because it contains everything you need and it also cure hangovers!
So what does health and fitness mean to you?
I've always been into sports and fitness, doing everything from football, to dance, and track and field. I started competing in track and field when I was eight and went on from there doing almost all events, even throwing snow balls (I know, very Norwegian). My love for running and competitive sports grew and I ended up as a coach in my track club training young athletes. I loved the coaching role and after several years in the industry, I'm now a full time personal trainer and instructor in London.
My background as a national athlete in Norway has benefitted me hugely. I've learned so much throughout the years and I know what it takes to be the best and how to deal with let downs. I feel that I was born to do what I do, and I could never do anything else. I believe a strong body comes with a strong mind and that it's so important to take chances and experience rejection. It's also important to me to have fun and let loose sometimes.
What did all those years in athletics teach you?
It taught me to be more independent, and when I didn't do well it was only my fault which made me more hungry to succeed. It gave me a purpose in life and I am forever grateful for that.
Biggest athletics achievement?
I've won the biggest athletics competition in Norway several times and been on the junior and senior Norwegian teams. I also went to Wang which is a private high school for the best athletes in their field and you can only get in based on results from competitions and interview.
What do you miss most about living in Norway?
My friends and family for sure - and my dog. It's a very calm life over there and compared to London it's very different. Every time I go to Norway I can completely relax and eat Norwegian food and speak my language (which I weirdly miss a lot). Luckily it's not far away and I go several times a year.
What made you want to settle in the UK?
My fiancée has a place here in London so after meeting and living in Spain for a bit we decided that it would be great for us to move to London together. Best decision I've made!
Do you have any plans to move around the world in future?
Not at the moment. With Norway being so close and easy to get to, I can easily see myself settling in London.
Did you always know you’d make health and fitness a career?
Kind of. I did have a dream once about modelling and I was lucky to get to try it out in Milan and Barcelona. But they always made comments about my body being too muscly and that I had to lose wight around my hips. I didn't like that and I'm so glad that I didn't crumble under the pressure. Now, being a trainer for me isn't just a job, it's my lifestyle.
What motivates you most as a trainer?
Client results and feedback from people who come to my classes. I love having a positive impact on peoples' lives and making people go above and beyond.
Best piece of advice to anyone looking to become a fitness trainer?
Be yourself and use your contacts for all it's worth. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and know that everyone starts somewhere.
Favourite city and why?
Madrid, no doubt about it. It's an amazing and vibrant city with so much happiness and love. We were supposed to get married there this year, but had to move it due Covid-19. I can't wait to get back there.
Favourite inspirational quote?
"If it doesn't challenge you it won't change you."
To keep up to date with everything Maiken's doing, don't forget to follow her @maikensb.
