Meet Bella Kingi

Have you seen @Bellzfitnz on Instagram? For all things fitness, she is your go-to gal. Her energy, authentic content, and enthusiasm is infectious and her ability to encourage others through their phone screen is a skill!

When Covid Lockdown hit last year we were all restricted to our homes. I couldn't go anywhere and my cabin fever was getting worse as the days went on, my attention span was minimal and so fitness was what kept me sane.

I was the fittest I had ever been and Bella's fitness workouts helped with pushing myself and spicing up my workouts daily.

Now that we are in yet another lockdown, I thought I would take the opportunity to introduce Bella, if you are on the hunt to finding a motivational influence to keep you active through lockdown or in general, please give @Bellzfitnz a follow, I am not lying when I say you will want to go for a run after seeing her energy and enthusiasm.

Meet Bella Kingi...

WHAT PATH LED YOU TO FITNESS AND WELLNESS?

I used to play football for New Zealand so I guess that is where my passion for fitness began. I injured myself and decided to focus on my studies, but I still wanted to keep fit! I found a love for kickboxing, boxing, yoga, and the gym in general over the years, and I enjoy it because I know how good it feels to push myself and come out stronger on the other side.

WHERE DID THE IDEA OF YOUR FITNESS INSTAGRAM COME FROM?

Because I trained a lot in my spare time, trying out lots of different kinds of exercise in many different gyms, I wanted to share my journey with others. I also found that my Instagram, not only inspired/motivated others, but it motivated me to get out of bed when I didn't want to or do that one last set when I wanted to call it quits for the night. It keeps me accountable.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN SIX WORDS?

Compassionate, motivated, authentic, caring, fun, and resilient.

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION FROM?

A lot of it comes from myself, which my Instagram helps with, for example, I'll post things on purpose about having trained the next day, so that when tomorrow comes and I'm tired or feeling lazy, I know I have to go because I posted about going already, keeping myself accountable. My friends also keep me motivated, keeping each other on track if you are training together is super helpful!

I also have other people I look up to, Micah Stininsto @micahkiri_stininato inspires me, she trains harder than anyone I know, works crazy hours, and still has the energy to think of me when she's at the supermarket and buy me chocolate bars :) Micah is the only person on the planet that won't balk when I tell her I've trained 3 times in one day haha. Knowing how hard she trains makes me think 'if she can do it, why can't I?'

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR YOUR WORKOUTS?

Music is number one, I can't train without headphones or speakers! I tend to time my workouts with my songs, running for example I have a playlist that I can run in time too, which took me a lot of time and sweat creating. I find it a lot more motivating.

WHAT IS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE?

I usually wake up before 6 am, and first things first I'll clean my teeth, then train. I prefer to train in the mornings because it sets me up for a good day. I don't find waking up early too hard as I'm so used to it, but going to bed early is a must. Then I'll have breakfast when I get home, usually Weetabix, oats, toast, and tea :)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WORKOUT?

My favourite workout would have to be Studio Box classes, I trained there for 3 months and it was so much fun! The music again was a huge part of this because they always had the best playlists, one time I took my gloves off so I could shazam a song haha.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS WANTING TO START THEIR FITNESS JOURNEY BUT DOESN'T KNOW WHERE TO START?

I would say start with a friend, having someone to keep you accountable makes life so much easier, and it also helps with the initial stress of walking into a gym and having no idea what to do, which I know we have all experienced at one point or another (including me!).

I also think small, achievable goals/steps are key. Being consistent with whatever you choose to do is the most important piece of advice I could ever give, so don't give up sugar and start going to the gym 7 times a week all in one go! Start small and work your way up, change will come.

Having a positive mindset is also important, especially in the beginning when you are trying to create a routine that works for you. The way you talk to yourself and the way you perceive your life are so so so crucial. I am a big believer in manifestation from The Secret, and if you haven't heard of it I couldn't recommend listening to it enough.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING ACTIVE?

Firstly I love the feeling it gives me, I feel strong and empowered and it is addicting. I have a really hard time making myself rest some days haha. I also love the community side of fitness, I have met so many people through the gyms I have been a part of and formed many long-lasting friendships! It also brings friends you already have together in a healthy environment. For example, instead of going out for a drink and spending money and eating pizza, I often see my friends when we go to classes and we catch up while we stretch afterward!

WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO WHEN WORKING OUT?

I listen to everything from DnB, House, Pop to Country! I am much pickier when I run though, I have a playlist called 'bellafitnz RUN' which I HAVE to listen to because all the music goes in time with my pace.

FAVOURITE TIME TO WORK OUT?

Mornings always.

WHAT ARE YOUR FITNESS GOALS FOR THE YEAR?

This year I want to be the fittest I've ever been. I have never really restricted myself when it comes to eating, so this summer I will not only be training hard but eating well too and I want to see where this will take me.

WHO OR WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CREATIVE INFLUENCES FOR YOUR INSTAGRAM PAGE?

I've followed Shae Knight @shaeefit from almost the beginning of Bellzfit and she inspires me every day with her authenticity and drive. She motivates me to keep working on Bellzfit, posting workouts, and inspiring others as she does :)

I also really enjoy reading quotes and watching inspirational videos of people and athletes' journeys. David Goggins, for example, talks a lot about how important your mindset is, which I resonate with.

I feel like sometimes people see others succeed, and want that success, but what we don't see is the hard work and drive that got them there. So when it gets tough, you're tired and don't want to train, or you just really want to eat dessert even though you probably shouldn't, those are the times that count the most. Watching and reading about others' journeys gives me more motivation because I know that is what it takes to become the best version of yourself.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THOSE ASPIRING TO KEEP FIT AND HEALTHY?

Your future is hidden in your daily routine. Be consistent, persistent, and if you want to eat chocolate, by all means, eat it! Just do it in moderation :)