The health and wellbeing industry is full of some pretty amazing people and we're excited to have had the opportunity to chat with our friend Jess Arrowsmith for our 'Talking Straight' series.
Jess is a Marketing and PR Specialist at Stylerunner and Editor at Triple White. Jess also has a passion for travel and fitness and is currently studying to become a certified fitness trainer. Here's Jess.
SUPR: What does your morning routine look like?
JA: On weekdays, my alarm goes off at 6:15 and I’m out the door by 6:35 to get to my 7:00 am morning workout! I love my sleep so I’m pretty no-fuss when it comes to getting up and to the gym. I’ll get up, drink a full glass of water, wash my teeth, pull my hair back into a high ponytail and put on the activewear set I picked out the night before. I pack my bag for work the night before so I don’t have to think too much in the morning.
I either go to Undercard boxing (my ABSOLUTE fave workout) or to my gym at 98 Riley Street for a conditioning class. I thrive on starting my day with a workout. I think it’s important to do something for yourself every morning before you tackle the day ahead – it puts me in a positive, healthy mind frame and ready for the day!
On the weekends, I usually have a gym class booked in around 8 am. I love waking up, hitting a group class workout and then going somewhere delicious for brunch afterwards!
SUPR: What does ‘health’ mean to you?
JA: My mindset on ‘health’ has always been pretty simplified. For me, it’s feeling fit, agile, filled with energy and good in my own skin. I have always believed in balance and think it’s such a critical part of being healthy and understanding what ‘health’ really means. As much as I love my workouts and fueling my body with healthy, wholesome foods, I also love a wine and a block of chocolate too! Health is a mindset. It’s not a weight, a number or a size. It’s waking up in the morning, feeling fresh, energized and loving yourself without restriction or apology.
SUPR: What are five things you’ll always have in your fridge / pantry?
JA: Ohhh, this is a good question! My shopping list is pretty standard, to be honest. You will always find punnets of blueberries and Pic’s Peanut Butter (always representing my hometown!) in my fridge. As for my pantry, I always have organic red wine, chilli flakes (I literally put it on and in everything!) and whey protein powder!
SUPR: What’s your favourite form of movement?
JA: Anything super high intensity! I’m currently obsessed with Undercard boxing.
It’s a combo of interval sprints on skillmills and boxing on aqua bags. I’ve never burnt so many calories in 55 minutes. I love starting my day with a super sweaty session – It helps rid any anxiety or stress and puts me in a positive, clear headspace.
SUPR: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
JA: Also a very tough one! I’m originally from New Zealand but grew up in South Korea, Indonesia and Singapore, before going to University in Boston, working in New York and London before moving to Sydney 4 years ago. So, it’s safe to say I’ve grown up with the travel bug! I’d love to move to LA for a couple of years at some point and I’m totally obsessed with Japan and would LOVE to spend a year in Tokyo too!
SUPR: What is one fun fact most people wouldn’t know about you?
JA: I competed internationally for both track and touch rugby, travelling to compete across Asia-Pac region before moving to the US for university. I also received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do while living in Korea!
SUPR: Why is it important to you to be Straight Up and authentic? Have you ever struggled in the past with being your true self?
JA: There’s nothing more attractive and damn-right cool than being authentic and true to yourself. I think one of the best parts about my job and being so integrated with the industry is that I get to meet so many creative, talented and game-changing entrepreneurs. Seeing so many people follow their dreams in their own unique way is nothing short of inspiring!
I feel very fortunate to have grown up overseas and to have attended international schools with classmates from over 70 nationalities with vastly different backgrounds, stories, religions, hobbies and talents. I was raised to embrace everyone’s unique differences and my own from a very young age and it entirely shaped my perspective and outlook on being true to myself.
SUPR: The health industry isn’t perfect. If you had the power to change one thing about it, what would it be and why?
JA: The health and fitness industry is hugely influential and that’s one of my favourite things about being a part of it. Being able to educate and share positive messaging around living and leading healthy lifestyles is so important and I absolutely love it!
That being said, fads and trends that pop up can be all-consuming and detrimental to some degree. From kale to quinoa, keto to lo-carb diets and fat-burning hacks, I can see how it could be overwhelming to those looking to kick-start a health-led lifestyle with endless ‘must-dos’ flooding the internet.
If I could change one thing, it would be to ensure everyone understands first and foremost that health is about balance and keeping it simple. If you eat healthy for the most part, add a number of workouts that you love and enjoy into your week and lead a healthy lifestyle rather than jumping on short-term fad bandwagons, you’re doing it right!
You can follow Jess on Instagram at @jessarrows