Natalie Barr: "My Fitness Secrets"

Photo credit: Hugh Stewart

Making excuses about my health is definitely something I’ve been guilty of in the past. I’d wonder if the dry-cleaner had shrunk my dresses, or whether my jeans were a tighter fit because they’d just been washed. But who was I kidding?

I’d been snacking way too much, eating large portions and not exercising—three things that can lead to extra kilos creeping on. It wasn’t the dryer’s fault; it was mine. So I got off my butt, switched to healthier meals and moved more. Simple!

In my two decades of working in the media, I’ve been involved with countless news stories on extreme diets, health concerns and obesity—and yet, in that time, nothing seems to have changed. Despite the fact we all have access to expert advice, cookbooks, meal plans and gyms galore, our country seems to be in deep denial because there are more overweight and obese people than ever before—almost 60% of Australians, to be exact.

It’s not only one of our most serious health problems, it’s crippling our hospital systems. Australia has a long way to go health-wise and, personally, I think we all need to be honest with ourselves instead of burying our heads in the sand.

As the ambassador for Can Too [an organisation that trains people in running, swimming and triathlons for major events in exchange for donations to Cure Cancer Australia, cantoo.org.au], I’ve been inspired to push myself harder with exercise. I’ve even completed a 10km race! Most importantly, it’s encouraged me to maintain my fitness. And it’s hard to stay motivated at times—really hard.

There’s a myth that you’ll learn to love exercise, but it’s not always the case. I’m still waiting for the mystery ‘runner’s high’ to kick in! It’s a constant struggle to get motivated. But I know that movement’s essential for my body—not to mention the fact that exercise reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

So, instead of making excuses, I just carve out time each week—even if I don’t feel like it. My weekly routine consists of Pilates with a small group of school mums and Xtend Barre classes, which combine ballet and body-sculpting moves. I’d like to walk and run regularly, too. It’s no big secret, but you can’t get fit and toned without exercise.

While I’ve never been overweight, I certainly have squishy bits around the edges that I like to keep in check. Putting pressure on yourself doesn’t do you any favours, though: if I miss my classes one week, it’s not the end of the world. I just make up for it the next week.

Having said all of that, I’m hardly a gym junkie! I believe in letting your body rest for the sake of your emotional and physical health. In the past, I have pushed myself with obligations and commitments until I needed to crash. But now, if I’m feeling tired after the morning shift at Sunrise, I’ll either shut the curtains, get into bed and nap before school pick-up, or go to bed earlier that night, about 7pm—yes, even if it means leaving dishes in the sink.

For me, sleep is a priority. When I’m stressed, run-down or on the verge of getting sick, I could take all the vitamins in the world, but, ultimately, a week of good night’s sleep makes me feel better. Going back to basics with my health has left me feeling great. I’m the strongest and fittest I’ve ever been. Touch wood! The best part is, I’m not even doing anything out of the ordinary; I exercise regularly, eat well most of the time, cut out sugar and make sure I get enough sleep.

Ultimately, good health comes down to individuals, so it’s essential to work out what motivates you. Maybe it’s signing up for a run or feeling comfortable in your clothes. Some people love setting fitness or nutrition-related goals, but I find they just stress me out. I much prefer to exercise on my own terms.

The older I get, the more I see people battling conditions like cancer and heart disease. This is why preventative health is so important. While there are no guarantees in life, making positive changes can reduce the risk—and that can only be a good thing!

Natalie Barr is a newsreader on Channel 7’s Sunrise, an ambassador for Can Too and Prevention's Healthy Wealthy Ambassador for National Prevention Week - an ongoing campaign promoting preventive health.

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