INSPIRATION REPUBLIC: NATASHA HOLLAND
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Nothing inspires us more than our customers who make up the 'Republic'- a community of people who strive to be the best version of themselves and inspire others to do the same.
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When you wear Muscle Republic, you are a part of this community, regardless of who you are, where you are from, what you have been through, your creed, your religion or how/where you train.We want to inspire you by sharing the stories of those who inspire us.
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When you wear Muscle Republic, you are a part of this community, regardless of who you are, where you are from, what you have been through, your creed, your religion or how/where you train.We want to inspire you by sharing the stories of those who inspire us.
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TODAY'S STORY: Natasha is a 46 year old mother of three, and grandmother to five beautiful children. Her fitness story began when she became sick with pneumonia twice in the space of 7 weeks. Following this, she made some huge life changes and began her journey to create the best version of herself. Leaving behind a relationship that was mentally, physically and verbally abusive, Natasha's biggest hurdle was tackling mindset and taking control of anxiety and self-doubt. Natasha competed in her first fitness competition in October - this is her incredible story of strength, bravery & success.
MSCR: Tell us a bit about yourself Natasha!
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NATASHA: My name is Natasha Holland I'm 46 and mother of 3 adult children (28, 26, 24). I also have 5 grandchildren (7,5,4,1 and 3 months old) and I am from the Western Suburbs of Sydney (think Penrith area). My hobbies are anything fitness related and I love to be outdoors. I'm a personal trainer and train kids and adults with life long disabilities, I also train clients once a week at a gym.
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NATASHA: My name is Natasha Holland I'm 46 and mother of 3 adult children (28, 26, 24). I also have 5 grandchildren (7,5,4,1 and 3 months old) and I am from the Western Suburbs of Sydney (think Penrith area). My hobbies are anything fitness related and I love to be outdoors. I'm a personal trainer and train kids and adults with life long disabilities, I also train clients once a week at a gym.
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MSCR: Where did your fitness journey begin?
MSCR: Where did your fitness journey begin?
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NATASHA: My fitness journey started when I left my ex husband. I started at a gym back in 2003 but didn't really take it to seriously until I turned 40 and got pneumonia twice, 5 weeks apart. I ended up in hospital for a week each time.
That was a true turning point for me. I started changing my lifestyle habits, doing outdoor bootcamps, boxing and weight training. It was then, that weight training and body building became a passion.
Along the way of changing my lifestyle habits I went from drinking 5-6 drinks Monday-Thursday and more Friday-Sunday, to now not drinking at all. I also removed myself from as much stress as possible as stress was a large trigger for mental health issues.
That was a true turning point for me. I started changing my lifestyle habits, doing outdoor bootcamps, boxing and weight training. It was then, that weight training and body building became a passion.
Along the way of changing my lifestyle habits I went from drinking 5-6 drinks Monday-Thursday and more Friday-Sunday, to now not drinking at all. I also removed myself from as much stress as possible as stress was a large trigger for mental health issues.
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MSCR: How did your mindset shift during that time?
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NATASHA: Mindset was and is one of the hardest things to overcome, especially with anxiety and having discouraged by others in the past. My first husband was mentally, physically and verbally abusive for 14 years.
I can do nutrition and training with no hassles at all - but mindset can be testing as we are our own worst critic.
In saying that I have learned to put a positive spin on anything negative sent my way. This is partly how I got through my comp prep, but it was equally as important to have an awesome support network.
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MSCR: What inspired you to compete?
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NATASHA: For years I said that I would never do it, but I needed a goal after doing my first professional photoshoot. I lost focus with my training and nutrition and realised for me to continue, I would need a goal to work towards. So with the help of my coach, Tamara, I realised I could really do whatever I put my mind to and I was strong enough to compete
So with my goals set I did my first WBFF comp in Oct 2018. I had the most amazing experience and I will be doing two shows next year.
So with my goals set I did my first WBFF comp in Oct 2018. I had the most amazing experience and I will be doing two shows next year.
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MSCR: How do you feel about exercise since competing? What do you do to keep fit?
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NATASHA: I still love to train 6 days a week since competing and I also will do an outdoor walk most days to clear my mind and re-group. Weights will always be my favourite form of exercise as it makes me feel strong and I love seeing what my mind and body can achieve.
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MSCR: What goals have you set for the new year?
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NATASHA: Goals for next year..... WOW so many haha. First goal is to ensure my health is on point so a can achieve the rest of my goals. I have Lupus, IBS, Raynauds disease, and very low iron (only just diagnosed) so the focus is to ensure they are all under control without medication ( I haven't taken any prescription medication for Lupus, IBS or Raynauds in over 10 years, except for iron levels of course that I need help with).
My other goals are to compete in two WBFF shows next year August and October.
I want to inspire as many people and also improve my self-worth.
I want to focus on building my career in the fitness industry and helping others. I'd like to work at some fitness expos, more photoshoots and be an ambassador for a company/business that I believe in them as much as they believe in me and work as a team.
I could go on hahaha... Aim big right!
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MSCR: How do you reward yourself for hitting goals or staying consistent with training?
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NATASHA: Never with food, I will usually buy myself gym clothes or sneakers or something to do with beauty or I will just take a selfie to show my goals I have hit.
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MSCR: What do you love most about Muscle Republic?
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NATASHA: I love what Muscle Republic stands for (real muscle is heart) and that the clothing always looks amazing in all the right areas 😉 It feels amazing and there is a variety of items for both men and women.
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MSCR: What is your favourite MSCR item that you own?
MSCR: What is your favourite MSCR item that you own?
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NATASHA: Oh gee this is hard, um at the moment I would say my Isla sports bras and my inspire 7/8 Charlie CEO white leggings. I'm sure this will change with my next purchase though haha!
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MSCR: What advice do you have for anyone struggling to commit to their health/fitness?
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NATASHA: My advice if you feel you are struggling to commit, think about why you are doing it. I commit to health and fitness for ME first, then the rest of my family, then everyone else after that.
If you don't look after your own health, you are not able to be helpful or supportive to anyone else. Especially if you have kids, grandkids or even your parents (or a friend, or just someone that has reached out to you).
You can make all the excuses in the world, however there is always time for health and fitness. You make time.
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If you would like to follow Natasha's fitness journey, you can find her on instagram!
IG: @natrat007
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Please email jess@musclerepublic.com to share your story :)
