We are so excited to introduce you to amazing, inspirational Rebecca (Becca) Chensee, from Aerialfit studio who is literally turning the fitness and yoga world upside-down!
Here she tells us what got her started in the wonderful world of Yoga, Aerial yoga, Aerial silks, Barre Pilates and more …. read on to find out what motivates Becca, what keeps her going and what’s next for this beautiful little powerhouse!
* Hi Becca, we would love you to tell us a little about yourself and what sparked your interest in the Fitness, Health and Wellness industry?
I started my journey into health and wellness when I was 14, and decided to become vegetarian. It was the first time I can remember making a conscious decision about health. I did lots of research at the library (this was in the days of dial up internet!) and decided that in order to be kind to my body and the environment, being vegetarian was the way to go! After this, I decided to try some low impact exercise, as I had never been much of a runner (and I certainly wasn’t coordinated enough for team sports!). I remember the first time I did Yoga, I stopped and smiled halfway through it because I was so happy. It was like the universe aligned and I had finally found my thing, I haven’t looked back! Jump forward a few years, and I now co-own Aerialfit studio with another Rebecca, focusing on low impact fitness, Yoga, Aerial Fitness, Barre and Pilates.
* When did you first start practicing yoga and aerial yoga?
I have been practicing Yoga since my teens, but have only in the last few years started Aerial Yoga. It came about after a car accident, where I was left with a pretty tricky spinal injury. I wasn’t able to do any inversions on the mat, as the pressure would send shooting pains up my back. Aerial Yoga however, allowed me to invert without any compression around the neck, so I was able to completely hang and enjoy a spinal decompression without pain. I started Aerial Yoga for the inversions, but I found that it was just so much fun, and brought a lot of joy and fun to my routine, which I had been missing for a while.
* What are you focusing on these days Becca?
I have recently done a new instructor course on pilates barre, and loved it! I love the energy and the pace of the class, and that it is like a mini party! I had never considered this kind of workout before, but I love the way it works the whole body, and how fast our clients get results.
* What plans do you have for the future?
Our Castle Hill studio is relocating to a bigger space next month, which is really exciting. We will have fresh air and natural lighting, and I am going to cover the whole space in plants because I am obsessed! We are also hoping to open a second studio in March next year, so there are big things to come!!
* Do you have anything that’s non-negotiable when it comes to your health and wellbeing?
Absolutely! I am actually the most fussy eater I know. The biggest non-negotiable is quality, organic and plastic free is the only way I shop. I absolutely hate plastic. It is hard for people to adjust to buying organic and plastic free, but one silver lining is that you start to know the people that grow your food (I love the little farms in Dural, and the markets around the Hills). I am big when it comes to conscious consumerism. Know your food and where it came from, because every dollar you spend is a vote for the world you want to live in.
* What is your favourite food or healthy practice that you couldn’t do without?
Smoothies in summer and golden mylk in winter! Even smoothies in winter really. I always have a lunchbox full of frozen bananas in the freezer no matter the season. I love the nutrient density of superfood smoothies, and that they never weigh me down. It’s my morning ritual, just this year my dog Basil passed away (he was 16, and a beautiful old boy!), but for years and years I would have breakfast with him every morning. A smoothie bowl for me, and a smoothie bowl for Bazzy. Spirulina is actually great for dogs, so I think that’s what helped him live so long!
* Would you like to tell us something about yourself, that most people wouldn’t know when they first meet you? (e.g. an amazing unusual pet you might have)?
Albus! He’s a gorgeous albino Darwin Carpet Python, that is yellow, white and coral coloured! He’s my baby, he loves curling up around my arms when I am reading, or going through my emails. We call him Snakey, or Ablie, or Mister Snakey if I am feeling clucky. He’s the best pet because he just wants to wrap up and cuddle you!
* Who or what inspires you?
I get inspired every day by the clients that come in. So many of them are trying something really different for the first time, and most likely don’t know anyone else here. That is gutsy! I get inspired by people that own their own business and are trying to make a difference in the world. I am mostly inspired by all the small businesses in Australia that are dedicated to making this world a better place. There’s a business called Rebound Books in Melbourne that takes old books otherwise destined for landfill and turns them into diaries and note books. How cool is that! Or the toilet paper we use at Aerialfit studio – ‘Who Gives A Crap’, that is make of environmentally friendly materials and donates half it’s profits to improving sanitation in third world countries. These kind of ideas inspire me- people that embody their values and make a difference.
* What is your favourite superfood or healthy ingredient?
Hmmmm this is tricky! It is probably a tie between Spirulina and Chia Seeds. I love making chia puddings with almond or coconut mylk for morning tea. They keep me full for ages and give me so much energy! I also love spirulina for its alkalising effect on the body and the protein. Some people find it hard to get over the taste, but I turn it into delicious smoothies and even raw treats. I also am obsessed with your Astaxanthin, and whenever anyone says I am glowing, I always tell them it must be that!
* Would you like to share one of your favourite healthy recipes using a GREEN NUTRITIONALS product with us?
I normally make smoothie bowls instead of drinking smoothies from a glass. I think this makes me feel like I am having a meal and not just a drink. I also love topping up my smoothies with lots of garnishes so it is really pretty and also crunchy!
A typical smoothie would normally have:
3/4 cup coconut water
1 heaped teaspoon spirulina
1 teaspoon maca or baobab powder
1 frozen banana
a handful of berries if they are in season
2 pitted medjool dates to taste
I blend it all up for about thirty seconds and pour it into a bowl. From here I add all my toppings. It is usually whatever is in my pantry, but these are the usual suspects!
- Goji berries
- Walnuts
- Pepitas
- Chia seeds
- Dried mulberries
- Pistachios
- Cacao nibs
- Sunflower seeds
- Dried cranberries
I don’t use all of them, but I pick a few, sprinkle them on in a pretty pattern and enjoy with a spoon and some sunshine!
What a breath of fresh air! …
find out more about Becca and Aerialfit Studios at – aerialfitbody.com.au
