The fifth phenomenal woman we are featuring part of our FABUFIT Women’s month campaign ‘My Fitness Journey’ is Simone Conley. I first met Simone at a Nike Training Club session at Zoo Lake. She had so much energy and had such a positive vibe about her.
As I got to know her, I learnt that she was not only an NTC trainer but also a Biokineticist for the under-23 men’s national football team. This unassuming woman is the go-to Bio for these professional athletes.
What struck me most about her was despite her accomplished CV, demanding jobs and busy travel schedule, she was always willing to help anyone who needed her expertise. She invited me to come to her practise so that she could help me with my ankle issues and shin splints.
Simone is truly passionate about what she does and it shows and has mastered the art of multitasking and juggling many things at once. I’d like to think this is a skill only women possess!
Name: Simone Conley
Age: 27
Occupation: Biokineticist and physical Trainer and Nike Training club Trainer
1. What inspires you to get out of bed every day?
Being able to do what I love on a daily basis as well as the blessing of being healthy and able.
2. What does a typical day for you entail?
Everyday is different for me , it all depends on where I find myself working, typically I would start my day off at the gym … if I miss a early morning gym session my day seems to drag, I would then head to my Biokinetic Practice where I would see patients for the day and have meetings and deal with the usual dreaded admin- I hate being desk bound. Alternatively, I would find myself in camp with a soccer team , I love being with the team because I love being out on the field working instead of in practice all day. This allows for a change of scenery. It also allows me to travel to different countries and meet new people.
3. How did your health and fitness journey start?
I’ve always been an avid sport lover , I played all kinds of sport in school. I excelled at some and was a bench warmer in others but it’s what I lived for. When I started university the study load was too much to continue enjoying sport , class time and sport time clashed so I had to stop the sport , this caused me to feel unstimulated and then the dreaded weight gain came with the stress of studying. This is when I decided to venture into other avenues of fitness and joined the Nike Run Club which was perfect timing in my schedule. Since then I’ve become addicted to a healthy lifestyle and fitness.
4. Why is health and fitness so important to you, and how do you prioritise time for yourself?
Health is Wealth …a cliché saying I know, but it is so true. My profession as a Biokineticist has allowed me to be educated on the anatomy and physiology of the human body, I realise the wealth that lies in treating your body with exercise as medicine . As biokineticists we prescribe exercise to prevent as well as rehabilitate certain ailments and injuries and through my studies and practice I’ve learnt to appreciate the benefits of exercise and healthy living. Besides it is so enjoyable , I can’t think of anything better then being active. 
5. What is your favourite way in which to exercise?
I love changing it up , routine is boring , so I’ve incorporated many different ways of training into my schedule over the years, weight training, spinning, functional training such as Nike training club, hot pod yoga, kick boxing, Crossfit etc … if it’s new I’ll try it.
6. Women often body shame one another and themselves – what is your opinion on this?
I feel that this is natural , women are never 100% satisfied with how they look but all women should adopt this way of thinking – all women should embrace their beauty by adopting the belief that health and wellbeing is the epitome of life. When women experience a sense of total well being they are happy and content, their confidence radiates and they are able to live the desired successful lifestyle. Women should believe that – your body makes you sexy, your smile makes you pretty but your personality makes you beautiful! By achieving a sense of total wellbeing each lady’s confidence will illuminate and their personality will be showcased making their beauty luster. Believing this will supress the body shaming culture
7. What would be your top three healthy habits you would suggest other women adopt?
• Always start your day with rehydrating… hot lemon water with apple cider vinegar is a great combo.
• Train in the morning as often as possible this allows for all the good hormones to be released and will allow you to have a great day- it also ensures that you wont miss a session due to unexpected work etc that may pop up later in the day.
• Cut out sugar … this makes a huge difference in weight control but remember to enjoy something sweet when you do cheat.
Your body will change …embrace the change … we cant always keep the exact same weight life happens but if you fall off track try to get back on as soon as possible.
Live , don’t just exist…in other words don’t get too caught up in a strict routine with diet and training continuously find ways of making exercise fun and exciting , make healthy eating fun and exciting , enjoy the social aspect of this awesome lifestyle and remember to cheat and when you do enjoy that cheat meal.
8. Life is all about balance – what is your favourite indulgence?
I love all you can eat Sushi … I roll out of that sushi bar hehehe…. I over do it big time but I enjoy every bite … but I also love cheese cake.
9. Women have proven they can accomplish great things when given the space to do so – how would you like to see women do greater things in future?
I would like women to embrace and live this quote by …..Marianne Williamson. Specifically putting emphasis on the highlighted part , all women are capable of anything they put their hearts on . Believing that as a women you can accomplish everything and anything is a powerful trait that gives you the confidence to do so.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate . Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light , not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves – who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Simoné is dressed by Tally Weijl.
Photography: Hemisha Bhana
This FABUFIT Women’s Month campaign is in association with BelVita Breakfast Biscuits.
Wardah
Happy Healthy Fabulous
