Life is about making choices about what we should do, what we want to do, and then there’s what we actually do. Often, once people start a family and have to balance a partner, children, work, and social engagements, they push decisions about their own health and fitness down the priority list. When I met Melissa Crowther, 42-year-old military wife, mother of two boys, 9 and 11, business owner, mentor, and coach, I was impressed at how well she manages her time. She makes the right choices, every day, despite obstacles, in order to obtain her health goals. As her business name, Enduring Fitness, suggests, it is about consistently living a healthy life.
When did you get involved in the fitness industry?
I first got involved as a teenager when a friend took me to an aerobics class her mum was teaching, then soon ventured into the weights room and loved it. At that time I was the only girl in the weights room (unlike now!). In 1998, aged 23, I pursued a career as an aerobics instructor. Once I started teaching in the fitness industry, I knew I wanted to be involved in fitness for the long term and have never looked back.
When did you start competing?
It was 2012. My husband deployed to the Middle East and I needed a goal to take my mind off him being away. I had two young children and over the years felt as though I had lost my way. I needed something to focus on, and competing was the perfect solution. Aged 38, filled with self-doubt, scared and feeling too old to compete against girls half my age, I had nothing to lose. I focused on what I wanted to achieve and went for it. It was extremely hard as my boys were three and four at the time. There were plenty of late nights or early starts so I could exercise while they were asleep, but this made it all the more memorable. I walked away with second place. I have now competed seven times and placed top three in every show. I won the IFBB state title and placed second at Nationals. This year I placed second at the Arnold Classic in the Open Bikini division, the highlight of competing so far!
What are your goals in the future for competing?
This story is from the Issue 92 edition of Oxygen Magazine Australia.
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 Issue 92 edition of Oxygen Magazine Australia.
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
The Doctor's Guide To Plant-based Nutrition
Are you getting enough protein? Switching to a plant-based diet certainly has its benefits, but doing it safely is something many overlook. Oxygen’s resident doctor and Sumo Salad Ambassador Dr Zac unpacks the facts and shares his tips for the transition to a plant-based diet.
Fit Pregnancy Tips From A Fitness Model Mum
The female body is an incredible machine of restoration and resilience. And while it is certainly necessary to slow down as our bodies experience the changes of pregnancy, humans were built to move. Oxygen ambassador Amelia Ricci reminds us why moving our bodies shouldn’t cease after conception.
Setting The Record Straight On Hemp
What was once a controversial crop and is now commonplace in every hipster café across the country, hemp was given the green light in Australia in late 2017 and for good reason. Emerging from the shadow of its whacky cousin, Oxygen has the lowdown on why this superfood deserves its time in the spotlight.
Codeine who?
Natural Alternatives to Pain Medication.
Happy Hormones
The relationship between our health goals and our hormones can sometimes be a little testing and they don’t always get along. However like any relationship there has to be an understanding by both parties of each other's needs, in order to co-exist in harmony. Our hormones are in charge of many essential bodily systems and functions, so any type of hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Don’t fear, Oxygen could be your hormone ‘relationship guru’.
Top 10 Things You'll Wish You Knew Sooner About Acupuncture
A key component in traditional Chinese medicine, you probably think you know what acupuncture is... ‘little needles that help with muscle pain and recovery, right?’ Well there is more to this ancient healthcare system than meets the eye, and Dr Greg from Aus Acu helps explain the all round benefits.
The Benefits Of Black Beans
Discover why you should learn to love these legumes.
Eat To Reduce Inflammation
Firstly, it’s important to clarify that inflammation is an important part of your body to heal and repair damage. Without inflammation, your body would not heal itself properly after an injury or sickness. Inflammation is also a normal part of exercise: when you train your muscle fibres, they tear… and inflammation is part of growing and repairing muscle cells. The problem with inflammation is when it occurs long-term; this is called chronic inflammation. It can result in many unwanted consequences, one of which is a reduced quality of life with increased stress in your body and mind as well as being a barrier to a healthy weight. So, what can you do to manage inflammation?
Protein + Oats = Proats
Here in Australia we sure do love to shorten names, and breakfast food is no exception (eggs benny, anyone?). If you haven’t heard the term ‘proats’ before, I’m sure you can probably guess what they are. Protein + oats = proats! And, true to form here at Oxygen, we’ve broken down the nutritional benefits for our readers and included some tasty winter-warming recipes. Yum!
Your 15-minute DIY Health Check At Home
You’ve got 15 minutes; 15 minutes to get a ‘health check’. You might only get one chance in your busy schedule to sort out what’s going on ‘under the bonnet’ (so to speak), once a year! What on earth should you ask your doctor during those precious 15 minutes, that will give you peace of mind for the year ahead? I’ve come up with a little list to get you started: boobs, butt, baby.
