Ali Cavill is a Master Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Holistic Health Expert, Motivational Speaker, Social Media Influencer and Owner of Fit Fantastic, a leading fitness, health and wellness company.
Ali Cavill is a Master Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Holistic Health Expert, Motivational Speaker, Social Media Influencer and Owner of Fit Fantastic, a leading fitness, health and wellness company. In 2019 and 2018 she was a Finalist for the Blackmores Wellbeing & Inspirational Women Award and the NSW Local Business Awards and is Strong Women Ambassador for Action Aid and Fitness Coach for Dementia Australia’s Memory Walk. Her experience as a corporate human resources executive within NSW Government is extensive and allowed her to climb the managerial ladder, however her passion for health initiated a career change in 2011. In creating Fit Fantastic, Ali has become a renowned “face” of health and fitness that sees her travel the state delivering the important message to ‘Just Get Moving’ and motivating and encouraging everyone to achieve optimum health!
Thank you for being part of the Health and Fitness Travel, Strong, Healthy Women Interview Series, where we are shining a light on the importance of self-care, not as an indulgence but a necessity to reduce stress and general health issues.
Is there such a thing as a typical day for you and what does that look like?
I lead a very busy and varied life that I love! I awake early to instruct a morning gym class or do a home workout or outdoor run, then I head off to business meetings or fit in some office hours (I’m also an experienced HR professional and work a few days in that capacity too). In the afternoon I might finish writing some articles I’ve been commissioned to write or train some clients. The last thing is the administration for my business, Fit Fantastic, then I head home to whip up a healthy, yummy meal, and into bed for hopefully an early night or to catch an episode of Masterchef!
Can you share a time when you felt your well-being was challenged in the past and what did you overcome it?
Whilst I’ve felt pretty happy and healthy for most of my life there was a time when I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed in my day job It was in 2011 and I was just so busy that I had no time for fitness or my own wellbeing. After a few months operating at that high-stress level I took a leap of faith by taking 2 months to leave from work and pursued my Master Trainer qualifications. I established my health and fitness business Fit Fantastic in September of 2011 after being selected as an Ambassador for a well-known brand. My achievements and milestones in the health & fitness industry came in rapid succession including presenting infomercials on The Circle, featuring in Australian Institute of Fitness national ad campaigns with Michelle Bridges, Fitness Ambassador for Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), and representing Fitness First showcasing a new fitness program centre stage at FILEX Fitness Expo! I now successfully combine health and fitness with HR Consulting, and every day I am grateful that I had the courage and support to follow my dreams!
What does being healthy mean to you and how do you keep this at the forefront when life gets unavoidably busy?
Good health isn’t just about keeping physically fit. It also refers to mental health and creating a fit state of mind. Just like exercising the body is critical for physical fitness, similarly exercising the brain is important to take care of your mental health and it is this that plays a major role in your ability to participate in healthy behaviours.
There is a deep connection between the mind and the body so making sure our brains are under control allows us to make good life choices, handle life’s ups and downs, and stay motivated to achieve our goals. Practising good mental and physical health habits hand in hand not only ensures you stay healthy and happy but also reduces the risk of developing illness and issues. To do this I ensure I eat well stick to an exercise routine and take scheduled breaks each day to sit in the sun reading a book have a bubble bath or just relax on the couch and watch one of my favourite shows. I also ensure I keep up my social connections with family and friends.
Have you ever taken a holiday specifically for your well-being?
Can you share what the experience was like? In 2011 I won the trip of a lifetime to trek the Great Wall of China to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research, an experience that had long been on my bucket list. Each day we trekked 10km or more on the most remote and difficult parts of the Wall and I had hours of being in nature in the silence with only birds, insects and weather and it was one of the most liberating experiences albeit tough experiences of my life! I had had a tough year of work and was on the cusp of making several big career decisions and this time in which I challenged my body to new extremes allowed me time alone to gain new perspectives. I also believe saying yes to new exciting and scary experiences and challenges are one of the key factors in my success both as a motivator and as a strong healthy woman.
Every woman’s idea of self-care is different, tell us about yours? I 100% endorse starting your day right! For me, this means a nutritious breakfast of either a smoothie or some oats and I swear by getting some supplements in for my body such as my Whole Earth & Sea multivitamin. Although I am a Nutrition Coach and love to cook it gives me peace of mind to know that in the one tablet I am giving my body what it needs to fuel my day. I’m also a huge fan of reading at least 30 minutes each day, which allows my mind to wander and body to recover.
Want to tell your story? Reach out to us via info@healthandfitnesstravel.com.au and be featured as our next strong, healthy woman.
