Q&A with Nike master trainer Joslyn Thompson-Rule

Q. Have you always been sporty?

A. I guess I have really. I did Irish dancing for 15 years from the age of four. I’m not sure you can call that sporty but it certainly got the heart rate going!  I stopped dancing when I was 19 before I started university. At university I rowed for four years, which I loved!  After university I dabbled in some marathons and triathlons but they didn’t really float my boat.  I did kettlebell sport for a short period and then I got into Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit, which I am still doing now. 

Q. What kind of training do you enjoy the most and why?

A. I really like gymnastic type things – so pull-ups and rope climbs. I’ve learnt it since I’ve been competing in CrossFit. 

Q. How did you become a Nike master trainer?

A. In 2009 I started a blog (fitgirlabouttown.com) and my message to women was the same as Nike’s, so they got in touch with me. The fit was right and there happened to be a role as a Nike master trainer so they asked me if I would go for it.

Q. Which athletes do you look up to and why?

A. My inspiration is not necessarily limited to athletes. They, after all, have as much support around them that they need to succeed such as coaches, physios, nutritionists etc.  I’m more inspired by everyday people making the commitment to live healthier lives. Whether tying their shoe laces has become easier or they have just run their first 5K – the consistency of training that has got them there, inspires me.

Q. What would you say to encourage those who are new to exercise to try it?

A. I think initially I would say: you’re doing it for yourself. You can only ever feel better from training. You’ll have more energy and you’ll feel stronger throughout the day, or you’ll perform better in whatever it is that you’re doing. You can only benefit from training. Once girls start to see that, it becomes an invaluable part of their lives. That’s why the community element is so important – when they see their friends doing it, they want to get involved themselves.

Q. What’s your favourite thing to do on a rest day?

A. To have some down time with my husband and son. We just hang out, which is nice.

Q. What’s your favourite cheat meal?

A. There is this ridiculously good ice cream stall in Barcelona, I used to have an ice cream after every training session when I was there. I could eat it all day!  Although I must confess I don’t like the word cheat meal/day, as it adds guilt/negativity to food, which I disagree with.

Q. What are you most proud of in terms of your fitness?

A. I think just to keep challenging myself to see what my body can do.  The older I get the fitter and stronger I become, so I like to place no age restrictions on my capacity to get improve.  I have some goals for the next 18 months, which I will be extremely proud of if I achieve them.  

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

A. Probably living in Sitges in Spain with my family.  Still doing what I do and still trying to hit some PBs!