Bella Daniels - Personal Trainer and Athlete Ambassador
Bella is an athlete and personal trainer, who is interested in rowing and cycling. She talks to Sundried about training and racing.
Tell us about your journey to fitness? Where did it all start?
I started rowing at the age of 9 at my local club, I became so intrigued by the sport and loved knowing that what you put in you really get out in terms of success and achievement. Since then I have rowed at my school winning a Bronze at National Schools Regatta 2017 and a Gold at the British Rowing Championships 2018. I joined Exeter University Boat Club in 2018 and won 3 BUCS (British University/College Sport) medals - Gold, Silver & Bronze. In my third and final year I have taken the role of Women's Captain, this role has helped guide my future career of becoming a Strength and Conditioning coach when I leave the University. Although I have been injured for the past year I have found a new passion within cycling which I am excited to now pursue. COVID-19 permitting I hope to be racing again this Summer in regattas such as BUCS regatta and aiming to qualify for Henley Royal Regatta.
What are your training goals now?
In the short term during lockdowns I aim to keep as fit as I can, mentally and physically to ensure I am in the best place once races start again.
My long term training goals are to continue to see how far I can push myself in rowing and now in cycling whether that's medalling at national events or being selected for home countries regatta.
Tell us one unusual fact we wouldn’t know about you:
I used to do Ballroom and Latin dancing and figure skating before I started rowing.
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
Find the passion for the sport before putting pressure to succeed. A rowing season is a marathon season not a sprint.
Do you follow a specific nutrition plan? If so, what/when do you eat?
I have received nutritional advice from a nutritionist as I have been a lightweight rower, I have aimed to gain weight to maximise my potential in the weight category. However, having been in the sport so long and studying Sport & Exercise Science at University I have enough knowledge to fuel myself effectively.
I tend to plan my meals for the next day in advance, that means I can ensure I am eating the correct food around my training to ensure the best adaptations occur.
What do you do to keep your clients motivated? Do you have any top tips to keep motivated?
During lockdown I've kept my teammates, whom I captain, motivated via my Instagram account. Here, I upload innovative training ideas which make use of all sorts of objects around the house to stimulate adaptations, to ensure strength is maintained throughout the closure of gyms.
My top tips to stay motivated are:
- Listen to your body, if you need a rest day take it.
- Make a routine and stick to it - this really is so beneficial during lockdowns.
- Keep training fun - try out new exercises, new sessions, a new sport.
- Train with someone - although during lockdown this is difficult to do in person, I have found that even training virtually is so beneficial and keeps me accountable.
Kickstart your own workout routine with Sundried's Home Training Collection.
Talk us through your training regime.
Mondays - circuits and a high intensity session.
Tuesday - weights and a long cardio session.
Wednesday - either a long cardio session or rehab.
Thursday - weights and a long cardio session.
Friday - OFF with Pilates.
Saturday - one/two long cardio sessions with some efforts within.
Sunday - one/two long cardio sessions with some efforts within.
How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?
Within my degree I am constantly researching new and innovative training methods and principles which are scientifically reviewed. I read a whole variety of journals, articles and books as well as I am looking to complete PT courses and, in the future, become UKSCA accredited.
What are your top 3 trainer tips?
- Something may work for one client but not another.
- Build a strong level of trust and rapport with each client.
- Listen to what the client likes and doesn't like - make training fun.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A Cornish pasty - it's got carbs, veg, meat and a lot of fond memories.
Why work with Sundried?
Since starting cycling last summer, I have always noticed cyclists wearing Sundried Kit, after researching more into the brand I absolutely love the look of the sustainable clothing and goals of the company.
Favourite fitness quote:
'Hard work pays off'.
To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.
