Instructor Insights: Annick
ANNICK
Recently moved from British Columbia, Canada Annick aspires to combine her knowledge from her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Psychology, with exercise as she continues into a Masters in Neuroscience. She applies a holistic approach to the body and believes that exercise can be used in a way to support positive mental health.
Fit-focused Q’s:
What is your go-to breakfast on a busy morning? My favourite on the go (or any occasion breakfast food) is an english muffin or a bagel with peanut butter! If I have more time, then I like to make myself a smoothie, but I never start my morning without an iced coffee or iced matcha (with oat milk!).
What's your best strategy to stay motivated? I am definitely a list writer. I like to write down what I will do that day and tick one thing off at a time. I find this the best way to make it feel like I am accomplishing what I want to get done. I also try to start with the task I want to do least and keep the least cognitively demanding task for last. If I feel like I am extra unmotivated, I think walking away from whatever I am doing and getting some fresh air helps.
The best thing we can do for ourselves after a workout is... Take a moment to reflect! What felt good? What didn’t? I think reflecting on how we moved our bodies and what we felt was and wasn’t successful is really important in any form of physical activity. Bringing mindfulness to and after the workout through reflecting on what your body has accomplished allows for growth both mentally and physically.
© BECYCLE
Is there a special dietary regime you follow? What changes have you seen or felt since you have started it? I try to eat plant based as much as I can, but I am not strict on the foods I eat (as long as they are veggie ) and just eat what makes me feel good. I notice when I eat more fresh fruits and vegetables that I have more energy than when I eat processed foods.
What are your top three exercises to do at home?
I like doing an all-fours series (adding pushups and tricep variations), squats and calf raises!
What are your tips to have energy all day? I make sure I get enough sleep every night and that I practice good sleep hygiene (look it up if you haven’t heard of it!). As soon as I don’t get enough sleep then I find it hard to stay focused, so I generally choose to go to bed rather than stay up late and get more work done. I also try to drink a big glass of water first thing in the morning and then make sure I continue to sip on water throughout the day.
Quick-fire Q’s
Best Restaurant in Berlin and Best Bar in Berlin: I wish I could tell you, but I moved here right before lockdown… Any good recommendations?
Best Place to dance in Berlin: Same as above, but I feel like maybe in the ride room at BECYCLE :)
Destination looking fwd traveling to the most: Canada first (hug my friends and family!!) and then France!
Least favourite exercise: This may be controversial because I often teach them in classes but… planks!!!
One lesson learned from the pandemic period: I learned that I am better at being alone than I thought.
Silly Q’s:
Dog, cats, neither? I love dogs!! (but all animals really.)
You're stranded on an island. What's the one thing you'd wish you had and why? A good book! I find it hard to find enough time to read as much as I want to—so if I was stuck on an island, I would love to just read as much as I could (even if it was the same one over and over again.)