If you've tried our IG Workouts, or you're a FIIT regular, Gede will be no stranger to you! TSE ambassador and FIIT instructor Gede Foster is always on the move. Whether with Barre, HIIT, Pilates, or running, she loves to stay active and to motivate others to do the same. But how did she get started? We caught up with her to hear her story.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO FITNESS?
I danced professionally for many years so fitness and movement have always been a massive part of my life. Fitness and pilates have always been key in my movement routine to keep me fit and injury free for performing but to also further help me achieve better technique, higher jumps, stronger pas de deux work and to be able to maintain a healthy body through 8 physically demanding shows a week. I’ve always loved delving into the detail of different techniques of different disciplines to see what is possible with our amazing bodies.
HOW DID YOU TURN IT INTO A CAREER?
I always loved teaching and helping others realise the potential of their own bodies, I would lead sessions on tour for the team so teaching has always been a love. Coming home from one contract, I decided to try some tricks on a trampoline for fun and ended up damaging ligaments in 4 places and tearing bone off. I was livid. I put all the effort into not getting injured on the job and then did this just playing around! The months that followed made me realise I needed something else other than just performing. That became my opportunity to get my qualifications and pursue my love for teaching further.
I started with pilates, as I truly believe this technique can be applied to any discipline, and that everyone can benefit from pilates. Good alignment and being able to connect deeply to your muscles can enhance any and every sport. It initially started as a side hustle to performing but the more I learnt, the more I got qualified, the more I enjoyed sharing my knowledge to educate others. Ultimately I was able to help others understand their bodies better. I grew a stronger love for this “side hustle” than performing itself.
WHO INSPIRES YOU, WHY?
I draw inspiration from so many sources. I recently watched LAST DANCE and Michael Jordan’s relentless dedication, grit to win, support for his team, and drive really inspired me.
I am a big fan of Brene Brown (author of Dare to Lead), her podcasts and her books. She challenges the thinking around leadership, about seeing the potential in people which is also what we do as fitness trainers with our clients. Her ideas around empathy, and communication have really changed the way I operate for the better across work and personal life.
Very similarly I love Abby Wambach. Two-time olympic gold medalist, and co-captain of the US team that won the 2015 Women’s football World Cup, and author of WOLF PACK. Every woman should read this in my opinion (she has also written a version for teenage girls). It is such a quick read but every chapter breaks an ‘old rule’ and presents a ‘new rule’. It’s brilliant. There are so many subconscious beliefs women have been told or shown growing up that hold us back, make us question ourselves or keep us silent. I love the power of sisterhood in this book, the power of the pack, and how a team is always far stronger than any individual. We should continue to support and elevate everyone around us!
Then I also love Pip Edwards, founder of P.E. Nation, because she is just a badass babe. A successful, strong woman with such style,. I can get lost in scrolling her insta feed!
WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT FITNESS GOALS?
For the majority of this unique year, I have rekindled my love for running as a way to get fresh air and break up the WFH day (while also maintaining cardio fitness, so I would be able to film on set at FIIT). I have been running 200k a month since May along with pilates to bulletproof my body and teaching online. Since the gyms reopened I have gone back to the gym to rebuild my strength but it’s a very stop start journey at the moment as I am sure it is for everyone.
My Goal for 2021 is to get my pull-ups back.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE STARTING THEIR FITNESS JOURNEY?
Just get started. It doesn’t matter how long in the beginning,10 minutes or 60 minutes. Get into your kit, on your mat and move. First you’ve got to build the habit, make it a part of your weekly routine, then you will naturally progress from there.
You never want it to feel like a chore otherwise you will dred it. Find a way of moving that you enjoy. When you enjoy it (or enjoy the feeling after) you will start to look forward to your sessions and then the world is your oyster!
WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
“Eyes are for looking forward not backwards”
WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING UP A SWEAT, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?
I love to make things, from upcycling furniture pieces, or making gifts like flavouring gins, homemade scrubs, or candles.
QUICK-FIRE:
1. Favourite workout music?
California by Chris Lake & Matroda Remix is one of my faves at the moment.
2. My dream Sunday would be…
Brunch and catch ups with friends.
3. What's something everyone should know about you?
My LOVE for peanut butter!!!
4. What's something that's always in your gym bag?
Protein bar and an endless supply of hair bands.
5. Favourite snack?
Fage yogurts with frozen cherries.
6. Barre or HIIT, do you have a favourite?
Oooooo, I can’t choose. I could live without either!!!
7. Favourite brand at TSE?
So tough again!!!! If I absolutely had to choose, Girlfriend Collective.
