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think that people recognize and connect with my authenticity. I still run my own Instagram account and only post content that I know will help the community," Itsines told me. The 27-year-old first got her start working for an all-female training facility back in her hometown of Adelaide, Australia after high school. During her time there, she started developing her signature 12-week workout routines with the simple goal of helping people live a healthy lifestyle. The transition from teaching classes to posting videos and client before-and-after photos quickly snowballed into a virtual community where women from all across the world could come together to support one another and train. Through the Sweat app, users can find Itsines' curated workouts alongside nutrition plans, recovery exercises, a weekly workout schedule and a section for posting progress photos. The weekly schedule (which builds in intensity) includes three 28-minute workouts—targeting your legs, arms and abs—four cardio sessions, one cool-down with stretches and a rest day. Today, Itsines' ability to inspire other women extends far beyond the gym— although she still holds training sessions with clients back home. Her social media page is overflowing with sentiments of motivation and workout clips, her app recently welcomed two new trainers to the team and Itsines announced in December that she's expecting her first child with fiancé and business partner, Tobi Pearce. I caught up with Itsines to chat about all things fitness—from her routine, journey to success and how she stays motivated. "Being fit and active has always been a part of my life. When I was younger I played a lot of sports including basketball and netball, and loved how it made me feel. I would finish the game, and whether we had won or lost, I'd leave the court feeling like the best version of myself. When I finished high school and had to choose a career path, I knew it needed to involve health and fitness so I studied to become a personal trainer. It is my honestly my dream job, getting to help women every day from all around the world to feel like the best version of themselves through improved health and fitness." ON BECOMING A FITFLUENCER V U E N J . C O M 132

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