Progress Never Stops: Elle Edwards
Sometimes our lives are affected by things we can’t control. Periods of anxiety or depression. The loss of a loved one. A worldwide pandemic. When things start to go awry, it can be hard to stay on track, but the mark of an athlete is to stay strong in the face of adversity.
Hey Elle, you’ve racked up quite the following on your Instagram, LiveFitElle, thanks to your super fun approach to fitness, but how would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as fun, hardworking and determined. I am extremely loyal and caring – no matter the struggle, I never give up! I always put everything into what I’m doing, but never take life too seriously and like to have fun with what I do. Working out provides me with a safe space where I can clear my mind and get in the zone to smash my business goals.
What is your earliest memory of fitness or sport?
My earliest memory of staying active was definitely dancing. I started dancing when I was about five years old and did it until I turned 18. I also did a lot of skiing and water sports growing up.
How did you get in to dancing?
Someone came into my primary school and did a workshop. I loved it so much that I decided to go to a class outside of school. I started training in London and started competing nationally.
What impact do you think your dance years have had on your outlook on fitness?
My experience with dance taught me how to lose. Each week I had to dance in front of thousands of people and whilst winning overwhelmed me with joy and a huge sense of achievement I also had to deal with rejection, injuries and of course… losing! Dancing taught me discipline and now when something doesn’t go quite how I want it to I just work harder at it and make sure I get it next time.
How did you decide to give up dancing in order to train in law?
How did giving up dance make you feel?
Giving up dance was really tough. I felt like I was giving up a huge part of my identity, I had always been ‘Elle the dancer’ and I felt like I would be nothing without it! I remember sitting on my sofa crying with my mum the day I made the decision, but now I recognise that there is so much more to me than my hobbies. Dancing will always be a part of me but so will so many other things – like fitness! Fitness helped me find something new that I was really passionate about and put my energy into whilst I was studying at university.
Giving up dance was really tough. I felt like I was giving up a huge part of my identity, I had always been ‘Elle the dancer’ and I felt like I would be nothing without it!
What were the main stressors at University that caused you to develop unhealthy habits?
In your first year of University, there is generally a lot of going out, a lot of drinking, and a lot of eating foods that aren’t so healthy. I think I neglected my health a little bit because of this way of life.
How did alcohol and comfort eating affect your confidence?
How did you find getting back into fitness?
After falling off track in my first year of uni, I decided to join the gym and started going several times a week. It made me remember how much I enjoyed moving my body and being active.
Did you set yourself a particular goal?
When I first joined the gym my primary focus was to shift the weight I had put on in my first year of uni. When I achieved my goal weight I started incorporated more weight lifting and began learning about how to build muscle. Ultimately, my main goal was just to feel confident and happy in myself again. As soon as I started to look healthy on the outside, I felt it on the inside. My confidence and happiness skyrocketed!
Did your attitude towards training change at all from your dance days?
I finally felt that all the determination and drive that I felt when I was younger had returned and I was so excited to get my body moving again.
As soon as I started to look healthy on the outside, I felt it on the inside. My confidence and happiness skyrocketed!
When did you start to get more serious with your training and start @livefitelle?
I started my Instagram, @livefitelle, at the start of my fitness journey, just after I joined the gym. I started the account to track my progress and hold myself accountable. It was a great way to get focussed and stay on track. It was really comforting to connect with like-minded people from all over the world going through similar struggles.
Did you ever imagine you’d be able to help so many people on their own journey?
I could never have imagined that posting my workouts online could help so many people. It was amazing to see people all over the world doing my workouts and getting active with me.
What would you say to someone looking to make a lifestyle change?
If you’re thinking of making a lifestyle change, there is no time like the present. Stop making excuses, your time is now. Integrating your workouts into your day-to-day life so they become second nature is fundamental for achieving sustainable results.
If you’re thinking of making a lifestyle change, there is no time like the present. Stop making excuses, your time is now.
How important do you feel fitness is for people’s mental health?
Fitness is so important for your mental health. When you move your body, get active, and break a sweat you just feel so good. I think that’s really important.
What’s next for you?
This year has been super challenging. I ended up finishing my law degree at home. I’m really excited to get back to some degree of normality and to get out, travel and take my fitness to the next level. I would love to be a fitness-obsessed lawyer one day!
Elle wears clothes from the Power Ultra Collection
