I thought I was nice and thoughtful, and then I met Lauren. Her boyfriend is a wiggle, so she’s a bundle of laughs, in the best possible way.
I was fascinated by her golden locks, and her incredible flexibility. She educated me on the different forms of exercise with the least possible impact – I am both inspired and fitter thanks to her. #letsbefrank
f: What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up?
L: Why can’t I press the snooze button? I’m not the best sleeper to be honest, so I tend to be better if I get up early and get going for the day. I find my resting level is at such a high level of energy, so sometimes I struggle to actually relax and switch off.
One tip when you can’t dose off: count backwards from 500. You’ll never remember what number you got to, trust me.
f: Then, what’s the first thing you do?
L: Decide what I’m going to wear to workout in – colour, and it’s various co-ordination. I tend to always wear Nike, as it’s a better fit for me personally.
f: You’ve been an elite gymnast for your whole life. Who inspired the gym road?
L: Ahhh the classic stories; flipping all over the couch. When I was 5, I used to get taken to Homebush in Sydney – when there I decided to try out, and realised I was really strong. From there, I was straight into the program. It was a massive commitment, and certainly really tough at times. My strength was best, but flexibility was lagging. That side of things challenged me, but I made sure it never deterred me. I always wanted to come back, but needed to stay at school and find a healthy balance.
f: Your most memorable win?
L: There were two.
- I decided to really up my training outside the gym; better diet, running to training etc to get extra fitness. This saw me push myself a bit harder, and I ended up all round champion which was both unexpected but proof that hard work pays off.
- Winning nationals. Vault was always my strongest, so winning consecutively for a number of years was pretty remarkable. Such an honour to be known as ‘the vault girl’. It was instant respect that I really appreciated.
f: Flexibility is key for a gymnast. Does this come in handy in your day-to-day life?
L: I certainly am much more flexible than the average person, however it definitely was my weakness when competing. I find things like splits on the ground difficult, but let me jump into it in the air and I’m sweet. (It’s much more specie too, if I do say so myself).
I’ve managed to maintain a good level of flexibility, even though not necessarily seeking it. I find it does help when doing my different workouts, but every day life – not so much.
f: Any other hidden talents I should know about?
L: Straight off the ground, do a backward somersault.
f: You’ve travelled the world with The Wiggles. If any 5 guys are cooler than I am, it’s them. Tell me, how did this come to fruition?
L: Ahh you’re not wrong, they’re pretty rad. I was coaching gym, and Anthony (the blue wiggle’s) children were at the facility. “I want you on the road” he said to me one day after class. The tour is pretty crazy, and you tend to remember the venue or the different show depending on whether the catering was good or not, Ha. The shows are really physical, similar to doing 3 aerobics classes. However I still craved working out – this was when I learnt to train anywhere, anytime. Car parks, hotel rooms etc.
f: What was the biggest challenge being on tour?
L: Adjusting to the lifestyle of changing my daily routine – pattern of exercising etc. Incorporate that into venues, spaces etc. I was also known as Dorothy the dinosaur, rather than Lauren.
I was very fortunate that I met my current boyfriend on the road, so had each other. If I didn’t have him, it might have been harder. He’s the red wiggle.
f: Whilst touring, you found your love for interval training. Was this due to different time and place, each and every day? Or how did this work?
L: Being a personal trainer allows you to be lenient. It allowed me to build up some online stuff, different types of workouts etc whilst on the road.
f: Another other fitness tricks you strongly stick to?
L: I don’t use weights. I honestly think I have picked them up, either myself or with clients 4-5 times in the last 5 years. I find people don’t utilise their body weight enough, and they can be really strong but not able to carry themselves or their own weight. It’s important to know your own weight, and build cardio into that routine.
f: If I opened your bathroom cupboard, what beauty products would I find?
L: Est. Lauder night repair is my ultimate best friend in the beauty department. I like most of their products actually. I feel they compliment my very basic routine, low maintenance. I’m a “bit of a wash, bit of moisture” type girl.
f: Trainings cancelled. Where will I find you?
L: Either, hanging out at the Coogee pavilion having a coffee or shopping for things I don’t need.
f: Do you have a #bodylove quote?
L: If you’re having one of those days, you just need to accept it for that day. And if you don’t like it, you make a change. If you’re not happy, it’s up to you to make the change. You have to own it, it’s not going to change in 5 minutes.
f: Who should frank put on his to scrub / dirty talk list?
L: Kate Russell; the lulu lemon community manager of AUS and NZ. A) she’d love it, B) she’s into health and wellness and good skin.
Kate Russell, I’ll eagerly await your call.
xx frank