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With more than 30,000 followers on Instagram, personal trainer and model Em Furey talks us through her favourite foods, healthy eating habits and quick fitness hacks. Read on for the lowdown…

How long have you been a personal trainer for and what were you doing before you qualified?

I’ve always had a healthy passion for keeping fit! I studied dance at University, and just before that I qualified to become a personal trainer. I was in between different dancing jobs and auditions for various roles in shows and began documenting my progress and soon noticed that people began asking me questions on social media about my food and gym regime, so I decided to set up my blog.

What is a ‘normal’ day for you?

My first client of the day is usually around 6.45am. I’ll set my alarm for 6am and then make a breakfast of simple scrambled eggs with half an avocado. After my first client I’ll go to Core Collective in High St. Kensington to teach a few late morning and early afternoon classes, I could teach a spin session on Monday morning, run a circuits class Monday afternoon and then finish off with a TRX class. Occasionally I will have different fitness shoots so I plan clients and classes around those kind of days but usually my day usually finishes around 8pm each day.

What’s your food philosophy?

Treat yourself every now and then. It is so easy to eat get into a habit of eating ‘badly,’ but as long as you fuel yourself with a good breakfast and something to help support your muscles after a workout, like chicken or fish you’ll begin to curb your cravings. I’m a huge lover of pizza, which I often treat myself to on a Sunday after a long week.

Favourite ‘cheat’ meal/what you can’t live without?

Definitely a Dominos pizza with the herb and garlic dip. I know it is bad for you but when it’s a treat and in moderation, I love it!

What do you eat to include extra protein in your meals? Shakes/any supplements?

I get most of my energy from actual foods. I am not huge on supplements, however,I’ll sometimes have a protein shake after a workout. Today for example, I know I’ll be pushing my body hard in a TRX combined kettlebell class for 45 minutes. I’ve got a shake prepared in my bag to just add water to and have afterwards otherwise I’ll be starving before dinner.

When are you happiest?

I’m happiest after working hard all day including working out and I’ve just had a hot shower and I’m already in bed with fresh sheets. It’s the simple things in my life I appreciate the most.

Do you have any celebrity inspirations? If so, who and why?

Kayla Itsines has done amazingly well. All her hard work and brand is something I definitely aspire to. I have a lot of respect for people who help others in a bright and motivational way, and is always something I try and incorporate in my one on one sessions and classes.

What type of foods do you never eat?

I rarely eat mince meat, pork sausages and processed foods. I try to eat food that’s organic including organic fruit, veg, eggs, meat and milk. Organic food holds so many more nutrients.

Do you have any quick fitness hacks for people to include into their lifestyle, especially as winter is closing in and it is getting colder and darker?

If I take the tube, I’ll always run up the escalators. It is a good burst of a high intensity workout. If I feel like I’ve not had time to workout that day, I’ll definitely include that as a workout! It is important to keep moving throughout the day, especially if you’re stuck at a desk. When you’re stationary, like cooking over a stove, brushing your teeth or making tea for your colleagues, do some calf raises or squats 3 sets of 15 should allow you to feel the burn!

Interview by Rachel Harrison

Follow Rachel: @pigtorig


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