This week on our Talking Straight Series we caught up with Sophie Ella Abernethy. A lover of all things fitness, Sophie talks to us about why her latest trip to Japan was the best two weeks of her life, what her ideal morning looks like, & why you'll rarely see a sunset photo on Sophie's feed. Here's Soph.
SUPR: What does your morning routine look like?
SA: It changes so much depending on my work week. Some days I might have a photoshoot call time of 5am so obviously the morning routine is out the window.. but I’ll share with you my perfect morning:
I’m a morning person so love an early rise! This is my sacred time.
My ideal morning would be early start around 5.30am for a green tea to get me moving, out the door by 6am for a workout. I usually train with my partner Geoff (we both love triathlons so this could be anything from a swim, run, cycle or HIIT), but lately I’ve started running with some girlfriends which is so much fun! If I can make it to a 6am Peaches Pilates class this is also a blissful way to start the day. Followed by coffee in the sun, then home with ample time to get ready. If you know me, you’ll know I’m a slowwww mover and hate being rushed! So being able to take my time and enjoy my morning is something I’m grateful for, and something I’ve prioritised for myself as I’ve gotten older. It’s the simple things.
If I can avoid using my phone and social media til I’m ready and out the door, I find my head space is super clear and ready for the day ahead. If I check emails first thing, it totally scrambles my thoughts.
SUPR: What’s one healthy habit you prioritised / embraced during lockdown that you’ll continue as we start to return to normality?
SA: It sounds simple, but I think just getting out of the house every day for a walk and being grateful for this freedom, being present and really taking in my surroundings has been something so special to me. I live near the beach and there’s nothing like a sunset walk, leaving my phone at home, getting fresh air and allowing the days stresses to wash away.
You’ll rarely see a sunset photo or workout post on my story because I really try and prioritise not having my phone on me during this time. I love taking a moment to disconnect from online and reconnect with myself and the world in front of me.
SUPR: What are five things you’ll always have in your fridge / pantry?
SA: Oh I love this questions! I’m food obsessed and am always so curious to find out people have in their fridge/pantry. Ok tough one but I’ll go with:
1. Lemons – an absolutely essential ingredient for my daily juice.
2. Hummus – I. AM. OBSSESSED.
3. Gnocchi - The Italian in me runs stronggg when it comes to carbs.
4. Sauerkraut - Love the stuff
5. Dark choc + red wine – couldn’t choose. Both essentials.
SUPR: What’s your favourite form of movement?
SA: Do I have to choose just one? Very difficult question. Lately my thing is pilates.
I fell in love with the practice at Peaches Pilates. It does such incredible things for the body. I had a back injury a few years back and struggled to walk and do basic exercise, but since pilates I can do a huge training session with zero pain. It’s really changed my life.
But I love ALL forms of movement. I honestly do something different every day. I’m probably most myself in the water as I grew up swimming, so I have to include this! Love the ocean!
I’m also a lover of heated vinyasa yoga. A good sweat and stretch just feels sooo good.
SUPR: What’s the first destination you’d like to visit once we’re allowed to travel again?
SA: My hometown - Brisbane! I miss my family and friends so much.
SUPR: What is one fun fact most people wouldn’t know about you?
SA: I’m a full blown crazy cat lady. If you have a cat, I’d like to meet her/him please.
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?
SA: I always think of that quote: “No one is you and that is your power” and I find it always brings me back to my true self, in confidence. I’d say I’ve definitely struggled finding myself like most women in their 20s. Don’t we all struggle?
I’m honestly so excited to hit 30 and finally find out what all those women are talking about. Apparently your self confidence soars! I can already feel it building…
I do believe I’m starting to sit in my true self though and have finally found my voice on IG. I love the community aspect and opportunity to connect with incredible like-minded women who I’d otherwise never have crossed paths with. A bit off topic..
SUPR: The health industry is constantly adapting to external circumstances. What’s one health trend you predict will remain or appear in 2020?
SA: I believe practices that nurture our mental health will only continue to grow. So important! I love that mental health has almost become trendy to talk about because it’s opening up soo many impactful conversations.
I’m noticing more and more people taking breaks and extended hiatuses from social media, which goes to show there’s something to be said for how it’s affecting our mental state.
I myself took 2 weeks off Instagram during my latest trip to Japan and I’m scared to say it was the best 2 weeks of my life. I felt like I was truly living (which is worrying to say cause I spend far too much time on the platform). I’ve promised myself I’ll do this for every trip of my life.
I hope I see some major changes in my lifetime for the better, not the worse. I’m hopeful!
Thank you so much for taking the time to ask me these questions! I feel very honoured to be included in this series among so many inspiring folk xx