Layne Beachley and Kirk Pengilly: “Everyone needs someone they can talk to about their health”

Kirk Pengilly knows firsthand how important it is to stay vigilant when it comes to your health.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, his practice of getting regular blood tests and keeping tabs on his health meant he was able to get to it early.

“As much as I’ve had a ‘rock star’ life, I have always looked after myself,” he reveals to Prevention magazine.

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“Due to my diligence in getting regular blood tests, I got to it early enough that it hadn’t spread and I was able to have it treated.”

The INXS star is the first Men’s Health Ambassador for National Prevention Week – an initiative of Prevention magazine, now in its fourth year – and he wants Australian men to start speaking more openly about their health and taking action when something doesn’t seem right.

“Every person needs someone they can talk to about their health, whether that’s a partner, close mate or their mum,” the Movember ambassador says.

For Kirk, that person is his wife Layne Beachley.

“She’s my closest person and my soulmate, so we talk a lot about health in general and are very conscious of it,” he says.

Layne is this year’s National Prevention Week Fitness Ambassador. After dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome twice, the seven-time world surfing champion and founder of the Aim for the Stars foundation prioritises her health and wellbeing every day, including squeezing in a surf whenever possible!

“That experience gave me a real appreciation and sense of gratitude for my health and wellbeing and made me really start to honour it,” she explains.

The benefits of exercise, she says, are two-fold. As well as improving your physical health, it helps put you in a positive frame of mind.

“I truly believe exercise is hugely underrated for the impact it has on preventative health and long-term wellbeing.”

Although Layne and Kirk’s preferred exercises are worlds apart – she loves to surf and do high-intensity interval training, while he prefers to hit the gym or go hiking – they work together to stay well.

“Kirk and I come from two different peas in two different pods, but the benefit is we’re able to grow together. I’m so glad he’s the kind of man who prioritises his health,” says Layne.

The pair currently follow the 5:2 diet, with Kirk taking the lead in the kitchen.

“There’s a number of things Layne doesn’t eat, so that does limit some of my recipes,” he jokes. “If she goes away, that’s when I pull out a steak!”

But overall, the couple are committed to living a healthy lifestyle.

“You have to take steps every single day to incorporate the things that will benefit you and your body in the long run,” says Layne.

“The simplest things, like choosing water over juice, can make such a difference.”
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National Prevention Week (April 4-10) is a nationwide initiative of Prevention magazine, with ambassadors including Ada Nicodemou, Tara Moss, Kylie Gillies and Helen Kapalos. Read their full stories in Prevention's April/May issue, on sale now.''

Layne Beachley and Kirk Pengilly