Erin Holland is a machine. She strength trains on the reg, and crushes all sorts of different workouts like it’s NBD. But like all of us, the former Miss World Australia has a lot going on this time of the year and knows that sometimes you need to give a little extra effort to keep healthy during the Hollidays: “Haha what’s a holiday…?!?! In all seriousness though, Summer is one of the busiest times in our household! ???? My husband Ben is playing in the cricket Big Bash League while I am working it for Channel 7, so we have been on the road/living in a bio bubble for the majority of December-January,” she explains.
“I actually find that trying to maintain as much of my exercise & diet routine as possible helps keep me grounded and feeling able to cope with the constant travel, inconsistent sleep and living out of a suitcase.”
So what does a fitness session look like for her her with all that going on? Well, it’s about not thinking too about how you’re working out, and mixing it up to make it interesting.
“I have really grown to adore exercise. It’s as much for my mental health as it is physical! Lockdown really taught me how important moving my body was for my mental wellbeing, so doing something whenever you can is awesome,” she adds.
“I am someone who really values variety to keep me motivated, so I mix it up constantly to keep it interesting. I travel with a few booty bands, as they’re super compact and lightweight, but can pack a punch and add resistance to many exercises. Even just a walk to get some fresh air is perfect…a little sunsafe Vitamin D does wonders for the soul!”
So the crux of it? Don’t make working out a punish, and instead try keep it light and fun with a range of options.
“Monotony is the death of my motivation. Keep things fresh by changing it up every now and again, if you’re anything like me, it keeps me focused and on track long term.”
As for nutrition, Holland finds that stress has a huge impact on the way she eats – especially this time of the year – so trying to prepare for the days she has a lot on is crucial.
“One of my biggest New Year’s resolution’s was to be more consistent with my nutrition: when I get stressed or tired, my appetite goes and I find myself reaching for sugary treats to stay alert. Not an ideal fix, and definitely not long term! I’ve very much fallen in love with meal kits [she ops for MACROS] for the convenience of dietitian approved meals that I can take away with me or fill the fridge with when I’m at home. There’s nothing better than coming home or back to the hotel after a 12-hour day at the grounds, and know I have something as yummy as it is good for me on a plate in less than 5 mins! In keeping with my current wellness goals, I can opt for a meal plan that supports sculpting or gains, so I know I’m fuelling my body in the best possible way. A good nutrition routine is essential to feeling and operating at your best.”
“Also – pay attention to your hydration! When I was training for SAS (a far more intense, and endurance-based style of training) I was exerting far more energy, and in turn sweating more than usual. I was actually dehydrating myself and not drinking enough water or replenishing my electrolytes adequately! Hydration is incredibly important to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet too, so make sure you keep your fluids up, particularly in these warmer summer months.”
Great advice!
