Sophie Holmes Personal Trainer

Sophie is an inspiration to many as she fights for life with cystic fibrosis while achieving incredible accomplishments like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and completing ultra-marathons. She talks to Sundried about life with a limiting condition and why she won't ever let it beat her.

How did you first get into fitness?

I have always been into fitness and sport as I have a very sporty family for which I am very thankful. The main motivation to keep myself extremely fit and healthy (apart from my competitive nature) is because I have Cystic Fibrosis.

At the age of 19 I became very ill and was hospitalised for 2 weeks. I remember it so well, in just a few weeks I went from being a healthy teenager to spending weeks in the Brompton Hospital having lots of tests and intensive treatment while the doctors and nurses tried to figure out the reason for the drastic drop in my lung function. I did not know what the future held. But as they say, without the lows, the highs are never truly appreciated.

This is when I decided to take my fitness more seriously and tailor my training to keep as well and healthy as I could.  I qualified as a personal trainer and started working out in the gym lifting weights and pushing my HIIT cardio. I wanted to prove you can do anything when you put your mind to it.

I have never looked back and in a way, I am so thankful because it has made me grow as a person and made me realise what I want out of life.

For those who don’t know, or may not have heard about it, tell us a little more about Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting inherited condition caused by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. This causes mucus to gather in the lungs and digestive system and creates a range of challenging symptoms. 50% of people with CF die before the age of 28.

How has fitness changed your life?

Fitness has not only changed my life, but I believe it has saved my life, physically and mentally. Through educating myself about all aspects of health and fitness I have managed to overcome the biggest health low of my life and live life to the full. Of course, there will always still be hurdles to overcome but I am determined to defy science and prove anything is possible with the correct mind set. Positive mental attitude is a powerful thing.  

I hope that I can continue to use fitness alongside my medication regime to keep myself as well as I am today. I will always do my very best because there is a lot more to experience. Not only is fitness my passion, I have also met some of my best friends through it, who unconditionally support me. I hope I can inspire others to pursue their own journey because there is no better feeling than being fit, healthy and well. I know many people from all walks of life can relate to that - CF and non CF. By sharing my story I want to give others hope that they can achieve their biggest aspirations.

What are your fitness goals?

Overall my goal is to keep myself fit and strong, to keep myself well, and to enjoy my training. I never want to see it as chore. 

What’s your favourite exercise?

I love a pull up – mastering the art of body weight training is the foundation to cracking weights for me, never underestimate them. Weighted, I love a barbell glute bridge, especially with a resistance band around your lower thighs just above your knee to truly switch on and activate your glutes. If you love a glute burn this one is for you!

Why work with Sundried?

I thoroughly enjoy working with Sundried, not only for the activewear itself which makes you feel you can take on the world, but the whole ethos behind the brand is inspiring and refreshing. Their ethos promotes a limitless attitude; you can achieve anything you put your mind to while giving something back to charity and caring for the world with a low carbon footprint. Sundried are very different to what is already out there and one to watch for the future – what they offer is unique and I do hope to continue to work with them long into the future.