This week we caught up with Tory Nicholas, our fabulous Active Farmers trainer at Cowra and Gooloogong! Tory has been part of the Active Farmers network since January this year and is providing a terrific service to her community.

Lets get to know Tory!

Tory, Can you tell us a bit about you and where you grew up?

I grew up on a sheep farm in the midlands, Tasmania and enjoy the outdoors, hiking, skiing, travelling, cooking and catching up with friends. I completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Sydney University and have completed my Certificate III and IV with the Australian Fitness Network. These studies were inspired by my passion for sport and an active lifestyle.

I have always had an active lifestyle and was a part of nearly every sporting team throughout school. To me being active shouldn’t be a chore but instead something that you enjoy. With regular exercise you are setting yourself up to be a much happier and healthier self. I find that a quick workout makes me feel much better and allows for a much efficient workday!

Aside from running Active Farmers classes in Cowra and Gooloogong in central NSW, I work at Pepper Tree Farm in their Equine Clinic.

Coming from a rural background, how does providing a service aimed at the rural community resonate with you?

It is great to be able to provide a service to a community filled with people that are like-minded and that I can relate to. I understand the long, hard working hours of a farming business and enjoy providing a service that gives these people an hour to themselves that gives them a chance to socialise, whilst gaining physical health benefits which come hand in hand with mental wellbeing.

As we approach the cooler months can you tell us how you keep motivated?

I always find it useful to have something to work towards – so set some goals for yourself! These goals can be simple for example to run continuously for 4 minutes, hold a plank for 2 minutes or they might be to complete a half marathon in etc. I personally will enter myself in events such as a half marathon, cycling event or an ocean swim and then I always have something to work towards which motivates me to complete regular exercise sessions.

So organise a group of friends and sign up for a local fun run and get training!

Have you got some tips about getting yourself to class when its cold and dark?

You have to be prepared for the cooler weather, wear gloves and a beanie if training outside – you can always de-layer as you warm up!!

Be prepared and don’t break the routine! Also plan to go to class with a friend as this is a great way to catch up with them in a social environment and you won’t want to stand them up, as they will expect you to be there.

I also find it very useful to put your alarm out of reach from your bed, and then to turn it off you have to get up which is the hardest part! And as they always say that summer bod you are dreaming of is made in winter!!

What advice would you give someone considering coming to your Active Farmers classes?

Don’t be shy – the more the merrier! Active Farmers classes cater for all levels of fitness and circuits are done for time so you can go totally at your own pace. Don’t hesitate to call your trainer if you have any concerns and bring a friend along! I also figure the more busy you are then the more productive and efficient in fact you are, so not having enough time to fit in an exercise session is never an excuse and just remember how much better you always feel after a session.

Can you talk a little about what to expect at your classes?

We do a lot of body weight exercises, mixed in with some running, skipping and boxing. There are modifications for all levels of fitness and you can work entirely at your own pace. You can expect to do some partner drills and to have a good time!!

How important do you think exercise and socialising is for the rural community?

Both these elements are very important for the rural community, as the statistics show that levels of depression and suicide are higher in the rural community. So by exercising in a social environment with like minded people you are not only going to benefit your physical health but also your mental health.

Working on a farm is not as social as working in town in the office so I think it is very important to get famers off farm to have break and some time to themselves in a social environment whilst gaining health benefits.