An interview with chiropractor and Vie Activist, Vibeke Murphy
A Chiropractor and also an anatomy and physiology teacher to yoga teachers, Vibeke has prioritized health and fitness since her late teens. Radiating health and wellbeing, it's truly hard to believe when looking at Vibeke that she's got two children under two.
“I’d had some back problems that a visit to a chiropractor helped me solve. I loved that I was hands on and it used techniques that restored optimal function to the body. I knew that this was something I wanted to study and so I began the six years of study needed to become a chiropractor. Around this time I also fractured my pelvis. My Chiropractor recommended that I do weights and specific core work to create some stability around my pelvis. I had always kept fit, but it was at this point that I started doing resistance training and yoga. I became pain free, and saw huge positive changes in the shape of my body and felt great! Feeling great has always been the main motivator for me to live an active life. If I feel strong, fit and vital, life’s curve balls seem so much easier to handle. In order to be good at my job as a Chiropractor, I need to be fit and strong as its very physically demanding. I also want to set a good example to my patients of how to live an active life, and hopefully inspire them to do the same. I have two children under two, so it is vitally important for me to stay fit so that I can keep up with them!”
How do you live an active life, what’s your favourite way to stay fit?
My life is active by choice. I have quite a mixture of planned exercise as well as incidental exercise. I am a mother of a 2 year old boy and a 3 month old baby girl. Running after and caring for them is the first bit of activity in my life. As a Chiropractor, I am on my feet using my hands and body as tools to treat patients. It involves massage, manual adjustments as well as stretching muscles and demonstrating rehabilitation exercises to patients. I walk instead of using the car as much as possible. Living at Bondi I take full advantage of the beautiful beach. I love soft sand running followed by a dip in the ocean and the Bondi to Bronte walk is my all time favourite way to decompress. I have been doing Pilates religiously for about ten years and I have enjoyed the benefits of strength, flexibility of body and calming of the mind that it gives me. Regular gym sessions involving spin, cardio and weights help keep things interesting and cool when it is too hot to train outside. Yoga is restorative for both my mind and body.
What is your favourite thing to do on the weekend?
My favourite thing to do on the weekend is going out for brunch with my family and friends. I also enjoy relaxing with the Sunday papers when the babies are sleeping and I love catching up with one or two girlfriends to do the Bondi to Bronte walk and chat.
What’s your style like when you’re not working out?
When I am not working out, I like to wear clothes that allow me to move freely. I like streamlined, casual and chic clothing that can take me from the playground with the kids to my Surry Hills practice working with patients.
Favourite healthy dish to cook?
Favourite healthy dish I like to cook is Spicy Salmon with yoghurt dressing and roasted beetroot.
How do you find balance?
I believe in the saying work, rest and play. Doing each of these things helps to give me a break from the other so that I always feel revitalised. A little exercise daily is both a physical and mental release for me. It is essential to my wellbeing, spending time with my husband and children. It allows me to switch off from my job as a Chiropractor. Treating patients and running a practice allows me to switch off from the world of raising children and keeps my brain and body active. In the evenings after the kids are in bed, I like to chill with my husband by having a nice dinner together. Having a bath and reading is also very restorative for me. I always try to be in bed by 10.30pm to ensure I get enough sleep!
What does living an active life mean to you?
Living an active lifestyle is essential to my wellbeing. Living an active life makes me feel like I am making the most of every moment and living my life to its full potential. Being active makes me feel positive, motivated and energised!
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