My Active Life: Amanda Bisk
Guest Post: Amanda Bisk
Born and raised in beautiful Perth, West Australia after both of her parents emigrated from Poland, Amanda Bisk lives and breathes une vie active! Still living in Perth, Amanda works as a Pole Vault coach at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS). We chat with this amazing athlete about what inspires her and how she lives an active and healthy life!
I was a very hyperactive kid and to keep his sanity my dad took me to a local gymnastics club at 3 years old. Ever since then I have immersed myself in sport and fitness and cant live without it now. I did competitive gymnastics until I was 18 but also participated in every sport I could at school. In my last year of high school I was selected for high jump at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and competed for WA for two years.
My best performance was second at nationals. In 2004 I was selected for the WAIS pole vault program and found the perfect combination of gymnastic and athletics. My personal best jump came in 2010 when I cleared 4.40m at a local comp. This lead to my selection for the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. I was injured leading up to the competition and didn’t have the best preparation but managed to clear 4.20m to come 6th (4.20 was the third highest height but I was 6th on count back). It was an incredible experience and I have never had so much pride for my country than the day I put my Australian uniform on. After the games, I came home and continued to train, trying to qualify for the London Olympics. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue in 2011 and decided to stop pole vault to allow my body and mind to recover. I was devastated. But the amazing thing is, is that it lead me to where I am today. Still involved in pole vault as a coach at WAIS, which I absolutely love. But also feeling healthy again and able to immerse myself in all sorts of physical activity.
I have completed a Bachelor in Sport Science and a Graduate Diploma of Exercise Rehabilitation and along with coaching polevault I occasionally do personal training, yoga and group exercise classes and gymnastics coaching. My dream is to use my knowledge and love of fitness to teach others while also learning and exploring the world of health, nutrition, fitness and healthy living from all the amazing people out there.
What’s your favourite way to stay fit? I love to mix it up. I get bored easily so I try to do something different everyday. Whether it be running (flat and hill sprints because I am horrible at distance!), long power walks with my friends, circuit training, skateboarding, swimming, a gymnastics or ballet class, a boxing class anything! I love morning exercise and I always try to wake up early and fit in 15-30 minutes of bodyweight exercises and stretching.
What’s your style like when you’re working out and hanging out? Bright colours and patterns are my fav when I work out. Perth gets pretty hot so my go to work out gear is usually a croptop, singlet and shorts. If I’m just hanging out you will usually see me with an item of sport clothing, sneakers, skinny jeans or denim shorts. I’m very casual, a bit of a tomboy.
What’s your style like when you’re going out? I love to get dressed up when there is an opportunity. I can be a girly girl so dresses and skirts are essential and heels! I do like new trends and fashion so my style does vary a lot.
What does living an active life mean to you? I believe living an active life is crucial for a happy, healthy and balanced existence. We were born to move. Exercise has so many benefits for not only your body but also your mind. We need to remember that it doesn’t have to be torture. Fun, relaxed and varied exercise everyday really makes you feel wonderful and unstoppable!
What are your makeup must-haves? I don’t really wear make up, I think with a healthy diet and exercise our natural beauty shines through. I do use sunscreen on my face and and a natural lipgloss and if I feel I need a little something a good mascara.
The book on your bedside table right now: Arnold Schwarzenegger: Total Recall. He is so hard working and full of self belief, a huge inspiration.
What or who is your biggest inspiration? My parents. They are polar opposites but both have traits I hope to have. My mum is so loving and nurturing and really the sweetest soul and my dad is hard working, bold and powerful personality who strives for the best all the time.
Wearing: Lori "Brazilian Butterfly" zippered sports bra and Lauren "pure black" performance compression tights
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