Profile
Name: Marissa Parry
Age: 39
Occupation: Owner and instructor of Casa do Capoeira; co-founder and health and wellness director of PurelyB; nutrition and wellness coach
Weight: 55kg
Height: 162cm
1. WHAT IS YOUR WEEKLY EXERCISE ROUTINE?
I block time for four “structured” exercise sessions which means 40 to 60 minutes of cardio, strength training and skill drills.
In addition, I try to throw in a fifth session and I am constantly on the move, teaching classes and running after my kids!
2. WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS AIM?
Overall, it is to be strong and lean. It is alsoto get through the day feeling energised, and look after my growing kids with ease. I don’t want any aches and pains.
Also, to not only feel young but also look young. I am looking forward to partying with my kids and looking like their sister and not their mother!
3. ARE YOU A GYM JUNKIE OR OUTDOOR EXERCISER?
I hit the gym more, as I love the variety it provides plus the weight-lifting. But I also train outdoors. I recently completed Spartan Super, and now I am training for Spartan Beast, so I need to be outdoors running and “playing” around on monkey bars and anything else I can climb on!
4. HOW DO YOU GET OVER BEING TOO LAZY TO EXERCISE?
I set goals. This especially works if I am exercising alone because it’s so easy to be lazy. I visualise my goal and that gives me that extra push.
I also workout in places with great trainers as well as a vibrant community. Both of these ways keep me motivated.
Most importantly, I enjoy what I do. You’ll never be too lazy to do what you enjoy.
You don’t want to see me when I haven’t exercised… I’m cranky. Exercise is a natural mood booster so we should be exercising all the time for those endorphins!
5. WEIGHTS OR CARDIO?
I can’t choose just one. You need a perfect combo of both foroptimal results. Add yoga or meditation.
7. WHAT IS THE MOST DRASTIC THING YOU’VE DONE?
Entering a figure competition in 2010, where I had to parade on stage in heels and a bikini!
8. WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL BREAKFAST?
If I’m in a rush, banana and nut butter or a green smoothie. Otherwise, eggs — usually medium boiled with a slice of sourdough or multigrain.
9. WHAT IS THE ONE JUNK FOOD YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?
If all the junk is no longer available, I will not be sad. Unless you consider French fries as junk food… but I don’t. It’s everything in moderation.
10. WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU DO AFTER YOU WAKE UP?
I would love to say that I get up, stretch and meditate. But instead it’s getting milk for my toddler and then it’s one thing after another to get everyone (including my dog) ready for the day!
However, I am happy to say that after all that is my time to exercise.
11. HOW DO YOU PREVENT INJURY?
Eating right helps muscles to recover, so nutrition is important. Also stretching is often left out, but I make sure I stretch and not over train.
12. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO GET PEOPLE TO EXERCISE?
They need a strong reason to get them going. So I help them look for this. When they know why they need to exercise, they will usually get going.
Also, find something that you enjoy. Exercise is supposed to be enjoyable. Who wants to do something that is not enjoyable?
With so many choices out there, there is something for everyone, whether it’s walking, pole dancing or rock climbing. Once they get started, it will lead to other things.
13. ARE YOU PRO-CARBOHYDRATE OR ANTI?
Pro-carbohydrate — that’s for sure! We need carbs. They are our primary source of fuel. Our muscles and brain need glycogen, which comes from carbs.
Of course you need to eat the right carbs and in sensible portions, and each individual needs to work this out for himself.
As a guideline, go for whole grains and stay away from processed carbs but a little bit of white rice won’t do you any harm.
14. WHAT’S THE ONE THING THAT EXERCISE HAS TAUGHT YOU?
Don’t compare yourself to others. Your fitness journey is yours and the only person to compare yourself to is yourself. Be a better, stronger version of yourself. You can look to others for inspiration but don’t compare. We are individuals and have our own qualities and abilities.
15. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME TO EXERCISE?
In the morning. I need to get exercise over and done with.