I met Orangetheory’s Mavis Tachie-Menson at one of her classes in the Islington Orangetheory Fitness studio, on Upper Street. Mavis has been a personal trainer for eighteen years and an Orangetheory Fitness coach for almost a year. Mavis leads her class with authority, clear examples and direction and attention to all her clients. Her energy and enthusiasm is inspiring, encouraging one to work hard during her class. Mavis’ passion for what she does is obvious and I recommend joining in with her class as a healthy start to 2016!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a little girl living in an adult’s body, a free-spirit whose passion for fitness is addictive.
Where/when did your personal wellness journey begin?
18 years ago when I started competing in amateur physique competitions then I started training contestants and I’ve never looked back.
What is Orangetheory?
Orangetheory is made for all fitness levels. It’s a high intensity interval training (HIIT) session led by a personal trainer along with a heart-rate monitor that tracks your progress through the session. The templates are already designed by a conditioning specialist and an exercise physiologist which take the pressure off prescribing your own, it gives you the chance to really focus on coaching all fitness levels while still personalizing it for the members in need.
What are the advantages of incorporating Orange training into your daily life and what are its effects on the female body?
Avoiding plateau and the gaining the “EPOC AFFECT”(excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) when your body continuously burns calories after a strenuous activity. This process along with a healthy diet streamlines the female body.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy explaining the science behind the workout. The 5 zone science which are: resting heart rate (grey zone), active recovery (blue zone), base pace (green zone, challenging but doable), push pace (orange zone, uncomfortable) and all out (red zone, very uncomfortable).
What can someone expect from a class with you?
Energy, fun, direction and knowledge.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Teaching a large group as I’ve always been a one on one trainer.
What is your inspiration for being such a huge part of Orange?
The results!
Have there been any disasters/funny moments?
Some members not knowing how to properly use the treadmill even after you’ve gone through a tutorial. Fortunately for them, we are very attentive even with a full house.
What other types of exercise do you think compliments Orange?
Yoga and Pilates.
What is your own personal favourite workout?
I’m a little biased, Orangetheory of course, the ESP(endurance, strength and power) session.
Some people exercise but don’t see the results they are expecting – what common mistakes do you see people making when it comes to their fitness?
Working out without changing their nutrition as it’s 60% of the weight-loss and lean muscle mass process.
What’s your perfect breakfast?
Porridge, berries and egg whites.
Do you have a favourite Pre or Post workout food/snack?
Chicken breast. I believe in eating a natural protein, it breaks down faster.
When you have an off (unhealthy) day/s, how do you motivate yourself to get back on track?
Detox on greens and start over the next day.
Who is your health/fitness/nutrition muse?
The creator of Orangetheory Ellen Latham because she created the ULTIMATE workout!
Where is your favourite London wellness spot (fitness/wellbeing/nutrition)?
Hot pod yoga in Hackney, Lizy Whitings session.
Who has had a big influence on your life and what have they taught you?
My husband, he taught me patience and calm.
How do you manage your life/fitness/health balance? What advice would you give someone that struggles with this?
Take it a day at a time and when you have a bad day, turn it around immediately the next day!
How do you juggle your life?
Prioritizing what’s most important.
If you had to recommend one inspirational book?
The Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity by Daniel Reid.
Do you have a motto or mantra that keeps you focused?
When one door closes, another one opens.
What’s your ideal way to de-stress?
Stare/watch television.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Any baked goods.
One bit of advice you would give to HLL readers?
A healthy lifestyle begins in your mind, body and soul. One without the other makes you unsuccessful.
Find Out More:
Check out Orangetheory here… Website, Twitter, Facebook
Islington Location: 240 Upper Street, London, UK N1 1RU (other locations available too)
Telephone to book for a free taster session: 0207 226 6744
Read my review of Orangetheory here.
*Health Advice: Consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
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