Today on our interview series, we’d like to introduce you to a friend of ours Lauren Tickner, or blogger commonly known as @_laurenfitness.
Though we aren’t in the fitness industry, we have instagram to thank for introducing us to so many inspiring friends. Today Lauren is letting us into a little snippet of her world. Let’s see what we find out:
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Hi Lauren! Thanks for joining us on the blog. Give us a brief introduction, who are you? How old are you? And what do you do?
Hello ladies! My name is Lauren Tickner and I’m 19 years old! I run the Instagram account @_laurenfitness which is primarily food and fitness based. I recently quit my job at a FTSE 250 investment management company (which I went into straight after doing my A levels), because I was VERY unhappy and even my parents began to tell me I was no longer my bubbly self. Now, I’m focusing on growing my online personal training business, while aiming to motivate and inspire others to eat well and exercise for enjoyment! I’m going to the University of Bath in September, also, to study Business.. But don’t worry, I will keep up my social media and online coaching game while I am there!
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What was the initial reason for starting your blog?
Funnily enough, it all started as a big secret. I made it mainly to chat to other likeminded individuals and to hold myself accountable. My posts were HORRENDOUS though- I look back in horror at the food presentation! I really don’t know why people followed me at this stage, haha! Around May last year when I had about 3,000 followers my friends found my page and I was MORTIFIED. I even changed my username from @fitnesslifelauren to @_laurenfitness in the hope that they wouldn’t find me! I don’t know why I was so embarrassed.. I suppose it was because having a fitness account wasn’t really a done thing. However, I am so happy I made it.. and some of the people who used to mock me are now coming to me for advice!
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I absolutely LOVE cooking.. I find something about it so relaxing! If I were to choose just one hobby, however, I suppose it would be spending quality time with my family and friends.. If that counts!
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We saw that you recently went on a fitness retreat, where did you go, and would you recommend it?
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What’s the best thing about blogging?
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What’s the worst thing?
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Tell us a secret about yourself.
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How do you achieve a happy and healthy balance?
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Do you think the fitness industry often disguises unhealthy obsessions with working out?
Definitely. I think it’s very easy for people to have an unhealthy exercise addiction. A lot of people will over exercise but say that they’re ‘being healthy’. Overtraining is a pretty serious thing and it can really make you very unwell for a long time, as it’s quite a hard rut to get out of due to the mental battle which takes place.
I’d say I have an exercise addiction for sure! However, I don’t think mine is at all a bad thing. I LOVE the endorphins I get from exercising, and if I don’t exercise for a few days I genuinely do notice my mood and body change for the worse! I guess that’s because it’s my passion.. but I am always sure to take rest days when I feel like I need them – something which is so important for long term progress.
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If you were never allowed to step foot in a gym again, what would take it’s place?
I adore cycling, mountain biking in particular. The adrenaline rush from going down huge, rocky hills is awesome. I’ve also recently got into yoga! I find it so hard to switch off as I always seem to be so busy, so it’s a great way for me to calm my mind and relax.
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Chocolate or vanilla?
Is this even a question? Chocolate!
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For anyone starting their own blog, what advice would you give them?
Be yourself.
If you try to be someone you’re not, people won’t enjoy your posts because they won’t be authentic and you won’t be able to stay consistent. There’s no point in trying to become someone you’re not, because the person you want to be is already out there.
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What’s the best experience that’s come your way through your blog?
Well, it hasn’t happened yet.. But I will be working on the Grenade booth at Bodypower Expo! I am shocked and humbled to have been given this opportunity.. It’s a real ‘squeeze me’ moment!
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Where do you see yourself in two years time?
I will be at University, with a successful online coaching business! I would also like to really continue establishing myself as a blogger, working with big companies. That would be cool!
Oh and maybe I’ll finally have a boyfriend… :’)
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Don’t kill us for putting in that last bit ;). Gosh, it sounds like you’ve really found a positive niche in the fitness world and we are so happy to see you so passionate about what you do. We hope that 2016 brings you a huge amount of success, and that you take us up on that baking day!
To follow Lauren on her journey, click here.