Sirtori
I’m generally a pretty physically active person and I jump at the chance to get active and try new things. I have participated in a wide range of sports and physical activities, such as Jump Jam, volleyball, swimming, ki-o-rahi, athletics and yoga, but my favourites are netball and dance – mostly Jazz and Hip Hop. Playing sports and being active is a big part of my life and I don’t know where I would be without it!
I have been dancing since I was five years old and ever since I began I have loved it. I enjoy dancing because it gives me the opportunity to let out all my feelings and emotions, and to express myself through moving my body. I love being able to show off my ‘style’ and personality through dance and I get a thrill from performing on stage in front of an audience – knowing that I can make someone feel connected through the movement of my body. Seeing people smile or laugh, or even cry makes me feel great because I know I have connected with or touched them in some way. Dance has also been a way to meet lots of new people and to make friends.
I choose to get active because I find it enjoyable and it helps me to keep my mind fit and healthy. For me, being involved in sport and physical activity of any kind is a good way to de-stress and clear my head from a hard day, and have fun.
Sometimes participating is difficult – there are challenges and things that are tough about being active. In dancing for example, it can be hard when I’m trying to perfect my technique. Sometimes, when it gets hard, you feel like dropping out or giving up, but it’s important to never let that voice in your head win, keep telling yourself to strive and do YOUR best. I don’t always get the choreography for dance right then and there, but once I think about it over time and practice I know it better than the week before. Even though things can get difficult, I never let myself give up and always strive to get one step closer to my goal. When I achieve my goals it makes me feel great because I know I have tried my best and that makes me happy.
My future goal is to dance with Paris Goebel at “The Palace”(her dance company). At the moment I am focusing on my NZAMD dance exams for Jazz and Hip Hop. I have been training hard and practicing a lot as I would like the opportunity to dance at the NZAMD scholarships in Wellington. I try to balance my training with making time for friends and family. It’s important to me to stay connected to the ones who love me and support me the most.
The advice I would give to any young girl or woman starting out on their activity journey would be to never give up, keep pushing even when times are hard, and to love yourself. Find your passion and grow, because your only competition is yourself.
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Carly
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Aynslee
Aynslee
Read Story"The rush you get from being active, and achieving your physical goals, is unmeasurable"
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Catarina
Catarina
Read Story"I love the feeling when you're all sweaty, tired and out of breath because you know you've tried your best and pushed yourself as far as you could"
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Courtney
Courtney
Read Story"I like getting fit, competing and winning medals. I like to have big strong muscles"
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Sarah
Sarah
Read Story"So often as a mum you are doing things for other people, so being physically active makes me feel good in that I’m doing something positive for myself"
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Jo
Jo
Read Story"I enjoy the social aspect of being physically active, when it’s not too serious and it’s just about learning new skills or getting out of the house and having fun"
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Trinity
Trinity
Read Story“I don't like sitting around and being bored. I love participating in team sport and putting goals in place to achieve.”
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Sirtori
Sirtori
Read Story“Never give up, keep pushing even when times are hard, and love yourself. Find your passion and grow because your only competition is yourself”
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Colleen
Colleen
Read Story“Being active is important to me. I want to live a healthy life and movement is a big part of that”
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Annmaree
Annmaree
Read Story"For me, sport and physical activity has offered me opportunities to make friends for life and memories I will never forget"
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Jess
Jess
Read Story"I’m now convinced that I am not in competition with anyone and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks anyway. I know I’m never going to win races but as long as I am trying my best to be a better me than I was yesterday then I am winning at life"
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Dawn
Dawn
Read Story"Not being the one sitting on the sidelines watching and being able to role model how to stay healthy and fit to my children so that they grow up believing being active is a part of everyday life and sharing all these wonderful adventures with them, it makes my heart sing"
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Linda
Linda
Read Story“Quite often when you can’t be bothered or you’re feeling sluggish and tired you can surprise yourself on how well you’ll do. Just get out the door, breathe in some fresh air and take some time for YOU, because you deserve to be HAPPY and HEALTHY!”
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Tracey
Tracey
Read Story“Start out with small steps and milestones like walking around the block without stopping, going to that first group fitness class or jumping in the water for the first time in 10 years or so”
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Rae
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Pele
Pele
Read Story“You have got to have a positive attitude and just get out there. Keep moving, stay focused, because life is way too short to waste your time not doing what you love to do. Just do it”
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Marie
Marie
Read Story“By valuing ME more, I started to recognise myself and all of my qualities. Now I’m proud of who I am”
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Jess
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Dianne
Dianne
Read Story“Being active amazes me at what my body can achieve, after all I have put it through. It amazes me how it can heal”
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Katrina
Katrina
Read Story"Find something that you enjoy doing and make the time to do it. You’re not being selfish; you’re looking after yourself. The best time to start is today"
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Anne
Anne
Read Story“Running and working out are my antidote to the everyday stresses of life. When I’m not active I find it harder to switch off and view things in perspective. Sweating through activity means I don’t sweat the small things in life”
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Erin
Erin
Read Story“Being active makes me feel like I’m using my body for good. It makes me feel powerful, positive, sweaty, glorious, achy in a good way, and hopeful for the future”
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Tracy
Tracy
Read Story“Running is an outlet for me and I feel as though I am in control when it’s just me and my running shoes”
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Anne
Anne
Read Story“I was proud that I was determined enough to start from scratch and have had lots of fun playing in local competitions”
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Carla
Carla
Read Story"I didn’t want to be the parent that only ever watched my kids run around and kick a ball – I wanted to be a part of what they were doing"
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Hiraina
Hiraina
Read Story“Happy is a very well-known word but yet can be described in many ways. To me happy means doing the things you love while not being forced to do them. Sport and keeping physically active are my happy place”
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Dayna
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Amiria
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Hannah
Hannah
Read Story“Active, healthy lifestyles aren’t defined by how often you run or go to the gym. Exercise can look like what you want it to be and what fits into your life”
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Dion
Dion
Read Story"Just by putting your shoes on and getting out there, you’re being active and doing great things for your wellbeing."
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Hazel
Hazel
Read Story"There’s so much reward to be had by overcoming fear and achieving things you never thought you could – so go for it – and link up with other likeminded women along the way."
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Kirsty
Kirsty
Read Story"Exercise makes me feel incredible! It makes me feel strong capable and grounded."
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Petra
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Wendy
Wendy
Read Story"I am so damn proud of what my body and brain can do for me. It brings me so much joy."
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Wati
Wati
Read Story"Feeling confident in my own skin, being stronger and fitter than when I was younger."