She’s all about making an impact, at work, in the gym, on social media & in the lives of others
LA-based fitness model and athlete, Courtney Gardner (28) has found the magic formula needed to juggle her career as a corporate high flyer in technology sales, while also growing her status as an iconic figure in the fitness industry. One of the secrets to her success is her degree in photojournalism, which has helped her craft a masterful social media strategy. If you too want to handle your online persona with Courtney’s panache, read on for exclusive insights...
What led you to your fitness-focused lifestyle?
I’ve always been an athlete, but it wasn’t until I was injured that my health and fitness journey really began. I ran the 2013 Boston Marathon and in the process, I tore my meniscus. I couldn’t do any of the cardio that I usually did and needed a physical and emotional outlet. That’s when I turned to lifting. I taught myself how to lift using a programme and videos online. I quickly realised how amazing it felt to be strong. Then I realised that if I properly fuelled my body, I’d get stronger quicker. Plus, it didn’t hurt that I also like the way my body looked.
What attracted you to the competitive stage?
I’m a goal oriented, competitive person. Once I got comfortable in the gym, I wanted to see how I could push myself further and a competition made sense! I had no expectations of the outcome - I just wanted to do it for me and enjoy the process. You learn a lot about yourself during competition prep.
HER FITNESS
What exercises should all women be doing, and why? Compound, full-body lifts like squats and deadlifts. These exercises are more advanced and require proper form. However, I believe they’re the foundation of building total body strength.
Courtney’s weekly workout split:
Day 1: Shoulders
Day 2: Legs (hamstring focused)
This story is from the July - August 2018 edition of Fitness Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July - August 2018 edition of Fitness Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Stuck For Ideas? Try These... Holiday Cardio Workouts
A few quick and simple high-intensity routines will ensure you sustain your fitness levels, and will also help you keep those holiday calories in check.
Thinking Inside The Box - Next-Level Recovery
Training for and competing in CrossFit competitions places significant physical stress on the body, which is why we need to pay special attention to our recovery demands during these phases in our training.
8 Tips To Healthy Holiday Eating
Holidays Are Meant To Be A Time For Us To Unwind, Relax And Enjoy Life, So It’s Okay To Let Loose And Indulge A Bit. Follow These Tips To Not Get Carried Away.
Reduce Injury Risk
Picking up an injury is like getting the flu – it stops us in our tracks and derails our normal routine, both in life and in our training.
Boost Your Value With Short Courses
The health and fitness industry is one of the most dynamic sectors in the world. Exercise science and research into nutrition are constantly uncovering new information.
Amber Blom
How this Bikini pro is paying it forward by helping fitness entrepreneurs succeed in business
Staying Consistent During Winter
Maintaining consistency with regard to your training routine and diet throughout winter can be challenging, even for the most dedicated athlete.
Danielle Van Heerden
Swimming teacher & personal trainer, Pinetown.
5 Tips To Survive The 2018 Open
Celestie Engelbrecht gives her 5 top tips to gear up to this year’s Reebok CrossFit Open.
Is It Me... Or My Hormones?
Q How do you know if your hormones are out of balance, and do you have any advice on how to balance hormones through food?