The Young Ones is a series of Q & A’s with the youth in Raglan. This week the Chronicle caught up with 19-year-old Ashleigh Waitere who is currently studying a Bachelor of Sport Science and Psychology at Waikato University.
Tell us what you are involved in right now and how you got there?
I am currently involved in running a boot camp and personal training as well as netball and touch. I started personal training as a way to make some extra cash as being a student is very tight, this was a way to put my skills that I am currently learning to use and a chance to help the wider community. This was going really well so I was encouraged to start a fitness group us so that’s where the boot camp comes from which was inspired by a military prep school I was involved in.
Was sport/fitness encouraged in your family when you were growing up?
Yes, my family was very sporty and participated in what ever was available to us, my step mum also encouraged me as she was the coach of my netball team growing up.
What other sports do you enjoy?
I play netball and touch, but honestly love playing any sports socially.
What advice would you have for young people wanting to excel at sport/health/fitness?
My advice would be to seek advice and motivation, its always easier with guidance or a buddy to motivate you, as mental motivation is the biggest barrier for most people.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Relaxing with a good book in the sun as spare time is always limited for me.
Who do you feel inspired by/Who do you look up to?
One of my biggest idols are Kayla Itsines a personal trainer and public figure.
What’s the benefit of living in Raglan?
There are so many, Raglan has beautiful places to enjoy all types of fitness while seeing amazing places and being out in the environment, climbing the mountain, beach runs and work outs, great bus tracks and an amazing waterfall.
How could Raglan be improved for it’s youth?
More information and fitness groups for youth that are fun and exciting at low cost.
The country you would most like to visit?
I really would like to visit Monaco as it is said to be one of the healthiest countries in the world.
What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be a doctor so I could fix people.
In 10 years I see myself…… Hopefully I will own my own business for sport psychology and will be able to travel the world with athletes training them mentally and physically, girl can dream right?
Ashleigh runs a series of bootcamp and fitness classes during the week in Raglan. Check out her Facebook page to keep updated on class time. Search: ‘Ashleigh’s personal training.’
