Lisa Champion

An exercise specialist, Lisa Champion is a director of the Australian Fitness Network.

Q. What does being healthy mean to you?

My perspective on what makes someone healthy has certainly changed dramatically over the years. There was a time in my life when I thought that if I didn't exercise every day, I would get fat. That's a very dangerous and warped perspective on being healthy! Change came with having children. First, the physical changes of pregnancy taught me what an amazing machine the woman's body is. Having four children in 5 years and coming out the other side feeling healthy and well was a huge lesson. Being healthy means doing the best you can for your health and wellbeing, regardless of your stage of life.


When my children were little, I found the energy to exercise hard to come by. I had to be gentle with myself about that. I tried to eat well and walk when I could, and not drain the small reserves I did have with hard exercise. The kids are older now and I have more time to exercise, but I'm still gentle with myself. I love to ride my mountain bike, I go to a yoga class once a week, I walk with friends, I kayak when I can, and I do some resistance training in my small studio—mostly using body-weight exercises that are achievable for me. I feel great! But if I'm tired or run down, I don't force myself to exercise. I also spend time doing breathing exercises and meditating (usually just before I start the day or as I'm winding down at the end) and feel much better and more settled for it.

I have healthy eating habits, and follow the rule that there is no 'bad food' (well, maybe dagwood dogs!). I stay out of the 'diet box' and just think that I can eat whatever I like—I’m just choosing to eat healthy, fresh food most of the time. The combination of eating well and moving when I can keeps me feeling good about myself!


Q. What is your wellbeing wish for Australian women 40+?

I'd love women to start thinking positively about their bodies, regardless of their size and shape. Of course, we could all make improvements, but we shouldn't be so hard on ourselves. With this attitude change, I think women could find an empowerment that might help them move more and eat better. I have a saying that I use at the end of my pilates/movement classes: 'Thank your body for working well for you today'. We should say that to ourselves every day, whether we've hung out four loads of washing or climbed a mountain. The woman's body is an amazing thing and we should feel very empowered and positive about that.


More about Champion:

Lisa Champion is an educator and trainer with a passion for inspiring others in the areas of personal and professional development, health and wellbeing. In addition to presenting and training, Lisa is a mother of four, an exercise therapist, a teacher of Pilates movement classes and an accomplished author.


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