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BEST BODY » MOVE IT 54 www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au I’m gonna be a FITNESS SUPER BLOGGERS Who they are and how to be one SUPER (FITNESS) BLOGGER PHOTOGRAPHY: THINKSTOCK 054-057_Fitness superbloggers.indd 54 27/02/14 5:14 PM

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Page 1: I’m gonna be a SUPER - Fitness In The Cityfitnessinthecity.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Fitness-blogger … · BEST BODY » MOVE IT 54 I’m gonna be a FITNESS SUPER BLOGGERS

BEST BODY » MOVE IT

54 www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au

I’m gonna be a

FITNESS SUPER

BLOGGERS Who they

are and how to be one

SUPER (FITNESS) BLOGGER

PHO

TOG

RA

PHY:

TH

INK

STO

CK

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Page 2: I’m gonna be a SUPER - Fitness In The Cityfitnessinthecity.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Fitness-blogger … · BEST BODY » MOVE IT 54 I’m gonna be a FITNESS SUPER BLOGGERS

www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au 55

With strong the new sexy and more women embracing fitness as a lifestyle, it’s hardly surprising that the blogosphere is bursting out of its frame. But beyond Facebook brags about clocking an extra push-up are some seriously impressive sites brimming with damn good advice, a stream of inspiring pics, and tricks even we’d never heard of. We trawled the web for the best places to get your free daily fitness fix (aside from our website, of course) and pressed the ubers for tips for starting your own site.Words: Amelia Barnes

Fitness In The CityLee Sutherland, 31 | fitnessinthecity.com.auWho she is: Sutherland is a self-confessed former late night and coffee addict who has swapped the stress of a career in marketing and PR for green smoothies, Nike runners and a whole lot of health lovin’! While working for a major music label had its perks, Sutherland found the cool factor soon lost its shine when adrenal exhaustion set in. “With this stress came a yearning to return to my roots of natural health science, which I studied after school,” Sutherland says. Now a master personal trainer and certified health coach, Sutherland aims to fill a gap in the market for inventive fitness options.

Her philosophy: Fitness in the City goes above and beyond exercise to bring readers info on all facets of a healthy life. “I wanted a form of training that made me want to get out of bed in the morning and one that motivated me to lace up my sneakers after I left work. Most of all I wanted to feel supported and encouraged – not just while training but when my motivation levels dropped. All I wanted was a little guidance and help to achieve my fitness goals!”

Who’s it for?: Having been so happy with her newfound clean and active life, Lee was on a mission to let the whole world know the secret. She describes her blog as appealing to an array of people: “From the ones who are at the start of their health journey,

investigating clean eating, recipes and fitness, to an established health and fitness goddess wanting to read an inspiring interview with someone in the industry who is doing amazing things.” Fitness in the City is distinctly Sutherland, meaning you’ll always see her personal tried-and-true experiences woven into each post. She’s always up for a new fitness endeavour, be it CrossFit-inspired, yoga, paddle boarding, Pilates or Xtend Barre, and she motivates her readers to do the same. When you’re low on enthusiasm, or maybe just after a tongue in cheek article to make you feel better, Fitness in the City provides the goods.

Why blogging?: “I started with a simple Facebook page but realised I needed more space to fuel my love for writing (and stop taking up everyone’s news feed!), so that’s when I decided to make a blog,” she says. “It has made me 100 per cent more focused, healthy and accountable. Thanks to the blog, I definitely practise what I preach because I don’t want to be a hypocrite, gorging blocks of chocolate and telling people to stay off sugar, or asking them to move daily if I sleep in until 10am; that’s not cool!”

Why we love it: Sutherland alternates betweens the topics of ‘move’, ‘live’ and ‘nourish’ for an all-encompassing guide for creating a new and improved lifestyle.

PHO

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I lead a beginners running club, so often my information will be aimed at people who are trying to make running a regular thing.

Who she is: Cheah manages Sporteluxe alongside her career as a model, so she knows a thing or two about looking her best! Since launching in late 2012, the blog has quickly grown into a full-blown fitness community, with established industry contributors and a focus on working out in style.

Her philosophy: In Cheah’s words, “I believe health and fitness can be stylish, luxurious and aspirational. I wanted to inspire people to lead a healthier and stylishly active life.” With that in mind, Cheah set out to launch a sleek and chic blog that aims to blur the lines between

the blogging world and traditional magazine media.

Who’s it for?: If you love fitness but don’t have time to visit multiple blogs for your daily fix, Sporteluxe is your one-

stop destination. With a re-launch of the website on the horizon, readers will soon be treated to up to seven posts

a day from a variety of

Double Trouble RunningEllie Butler, 31 | doubletroublerunning.comWho she is: Butler is one half of blogging duo Double Trouble Running, co-owned by friend Gillian Power, who met at work before making the move overseas. With Power relocating to Perth from Dublin and Butler from Sydney to England, updating the blog was a chance to stay in touch while keeping their marathon running goals in check.

Her philosophy: Butler promotes running for all fitness levels with helpful information that doesn’t take working out too seriously. While they are both marathon level runners, they don’t claim to be experts but rather everyday women writing about their personal experiences, with a bit of humour on the side. Their main goal is to show readers that running is for everyone.

Who’s it for?: Runners who are passionate about improving their technique. “When the blog started, I was running four times a week on average, and was aiming for a half marathon PB of 1:40. Gillian was training for the Melbourne marathon and was aiming for sub 3:30,” Butler says. “I hope to entertain the readers when I write, and I also try to share running information. I lead a beginners running club, so often my information will be aimed at people who are trying to make running a regular thing.” Butler is also a pole dancing and aerial hoop instructor, and will often switch from her running cap to focus on flexibility and strength training.

Why blogging?: With Gillian’s knack for technology and Ellie’s love of writing, the girls knew they had a recipe for blogging success. As well as being able to stay in touch online, blogging provided an outlet for Ellie to write, which had previously gone unfulfilled. “I really love writing, and I love the fact that I now have a running diary of sorts to keep me honest,” she says. “Blogging has also helped to keep me focused on training. If I really don’t want to run, knowing the blog will be postless will encourage me to put my shoes on.”

Why we love it: Butler and Power have a signature humour they bring to their posts, which makes Double Trouble Running a relatable and refreshing read. Butler says, “I think it’s important to make sure the ‘ordinary girl’ is represented in the blogosphere.”

START YOUR OWN FITNESS BLOG

SporteluxeBianca Cheah, 32sporteluxe.com

• Focus on your passion. Your passion for fitness should always be at the forefront of your mind and blog. “That way, when everything crashes, or you spend hours learning how to add pictures or blog posts (and failing miserably in between) you keep powering on and don’t throw in the towel until you succeed,” Sutherland says.

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Fitness Food and StyleDani Stevens, 40 | fitnessfoodandstyle.blogspot.com.auWho she is: Having just hit the big 4-0, Stevens is motivating Australian women of all ages to defy the effects of ageing via an active lifestyle. With four children under eight, a role she juggles with her website Fitness Food and Style, Stevens is our definition of a super mum.

Her philosophy: Stevens is a firm believer that children or a busy lifestyle are no reason to sacrifice a healthy existence. “The purpose of the blog is to keep it real and share practical and doable tips for making health and fitness a priority for busy mums like me. One of the key messages of the blog is how fitness and good health supports all areas of family life and living.” She not only talks the talk, but walks the walk, without a personal trainer, chef or nanny in sight. “The fitness tips, recipes and outings I share on the blog are those that we live” she says.

Who’s it for?: Stevens’ social media following (118k followers on Instagram alone) is testament to the quality of her blog and the faith her readers place in her advice. She hosts monthly challenges to keep followers motivated, posts weekly weight-loss success stories, plus regular recipes and activities to keep followers consistently checking in. Having maintained a fit physique post children, Stevens demonstrates the importance of exercise pre- and post-baby to maintain strength and muscle tone. “The key message is you can get your body back and still maintain style and health. If you can commit 15 minutes a day to fitness and combine this with a healthy diet, then a super lifestyle is achievable.”

While she admits to loving the process of blogging, its main intention remains to offer information and guidance to likeminded women maintaining a hectic lifestyle. Readers will enjoy Stevens’ real, consistent and passionate attitude to blogging, and her commitment to taking the time to engage with feedback.

Why blogging?: Not only has blogging affirmed Stevens’ love for fitness, it’s allowed her to build an entirely new career and meet long-time idols. “My website has brought me the chance of meeting some people who have long been inspirational role models to me – the pinnacle being Richard Branson,” she says. “Early on I received a lot of products to trial and review and now I am moving towards more experiences, sponsored posts and paid campaign work. We’ve been on

sensational holidays and I’ve been able to partner with some great brands that

align perfectly to my blog’s ethos.”

Why we love it: Stevens goes the extra mile to include the success stories of other women alongside her own journey. You’ll be inspired

weekly by the transformations of other women working

hard to take control of their health.

START YOUR OWN FITNESS BLOGThink these bloggers have got it made? Lee Sutherland shares how to get in on the action.

• Drop the IT geekdom. “Basic sites like WordPress are so user friendly literally anyone can do it. They also come with a plethora of templates to use (either free or paid) so it also takes away the difficult task of design so all you have to do is add the copy and start writing!” If that fails, hit up YouTube for step-by-step tutorials or enlist in a graphic designer to do the groundwork.

• Choose a catchy title. “I think the name of the blog is really important to help attract readers in the first place. If it is too beige, why would they even bother clicking onto it? That being said, many people just use their names for the title of the blog and it links them more to their brand.”

• Campaign for followers. Guest blogging on similar platforms, commenting on other likeminded blogs, reaching out via social media and targeted Facebook ads help to build a blog’s audience. Get your family and friends to share your page on Facebook and you might be surprised how many hits you attract!

• Post often. Most blogs become inactive within three months, so keeping your readers regularly updated will encourage them to return.

• Know your reader. This is key to a blog’s success and of gaining the attention of brands. Don’t become caught up in sponsored posts or adverts that don’t fit your voice, but only those you genuinely support.

authors, giving you ever-changing guidance and inspiration for your fitness goals. Cheah doesn’t just blog the trends but actively creates them through her fitness ventures. “We communicate this through the Sporteluxe website, which has the feel of a high-end, glossy health and fitness magazine,” she says.

Why blogging?: With a degree in communications under her belt and a love for fitness and fashion, it seemed only fitting that Cheah combined these passions into blogging. In just over a year, the website has established itself as a hotspot for those who don’t want to sacrifice looking fashionable on their morning run, with expert advice from names you can trust. “To begin, my focus was less about having a certain number of posts and more about producing beautiful images of stylish activewear. My followers loved these uplifting, beautiful images and as much as they drew inspiration from my posts. I was also inspired by them,” Cheah says. Sporteluxe writers know that the best blogs are always all about serving the readers, so the team work hard to create unique content and stunning imagery that encourage readers to live a stylish, healthier, happier and more active life. Cheah also lives her stories by tracking her own fitness progress on the blog as she tries out new programs and products. “This gives readers the confidence to know what does and doesn’t work,“ she says. “We only ever publish content that we generally love and know our readers will love.”

Why we love it: Sporteluxe’s visual appeal gives readers a hit of inspiration before they’ve even clicked on the latest post. You won’t see any selfies here, but only the highest quality images thanks to the talented photographic team.

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recipes and outings I share on the blog are

social media following (118k followers on Instagram alone) is testament to the quality of her blog and the faith her readers place in her advice. She hosts monthly challenges to keep followers motivated, posts

loss success stories, plus regular recipes and activities to keep followers consistently checking in. Having maintained a fit physique

demonstrates the importance of exercise pre- and post-baby to maintain strength and

The key message is you can get your body back and still maintain style

If you can commit 15 minutes a day to fitness and combine this with a healthy

n a super lifestyle is achievable.”

and paid campaign work. We’ve been on sensational holidays and I’ve been able to

partner with some great brands that align perfectly to my blog’s ethos.”

Why we love it: Stevens goes the extra mile to include the success stories of other women alongside her own journey. You’ll be inspired

weekly by the transformations of other women working

hard to take control of their health.

One of the key messages of the blog is how fitness and good health supports all areas of family life and living.

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