The Real Healthy Lives of Perth: Amy Richards, Personal Trainer

First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!

I’m a Perth based Personal Trainer passionate about fitness inclusivity! I want to take away the intimidation factor that comes with fitness and instead help my clients feel comfortable and confident no matter their experience, lifestyle or shape. I focus on fitness as a tool for making our bodies and minds stronger.

What time do you wake up most days and how many hours of sleep do you aim for?

I’m up at 5:30am every morning! Sleep is a major component of our overall wellness so it’s one of my top priorities. I function best on 7+ hours and manage to get this most nights.

What’s your morning routine to set you up for a great day?

I’m up and off to clients early, so my morning routine is quick and simple. I feel ready for the day once I’ve applied my skincare routine (Cetaphil Cleanser, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% and The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbic Phosphate 10%) and had a big glass of water. Breakfast and coffee will come after my morning clients.

What are your top 3 wellness non-negotiables?

Sleep - This should be in everyones non-negotiables! The effect that good sleep has on how we feel and function is incomparable.

Water - I take my S’well bottle everywhere with me so that dehydration is never an option.

Movement - My mind and body feel best when I’ve added movement into my day. To me, this doesn’t always mean a heavy lifting session or sweaty HIIT workout. As long as I’ve taken time out of my day to focus purely on moving my body, i feel better.

Favourite farmers market or healthy place to shop

Golden Choice in Subiaco is the absolute best for veggies. It’s no secret (it’s always crazy in there!) but I’ve never bought a bad vegetable and the prices are incredible.

What’s your fitness routine & favourite way to get sweaty and where’s your go-to?

I train clients in the Morning and Evenings so my routine is a little all over the place. A typical week for me will be 3 - 4 functional full body sessions, swimming laps and either a pilates, boxing or spin class. I love Hurt Locker in Claremont for a really sweaty boxing session and will follow Pilates teacher Viola Ribul to whatever studio she teaches at!

If you could only wear one brand of activewear for the rest of your life it would be…

For athleisurewear i’d choose Nimble Activewear from Sydney because it’s made from recycled plastic bottles and does great prints! Although, for getting sweaty and jumping around I’d stick to my true love lululemon. They have the best leggings and sport bras in the world.

If you could have the ultimate day of wellness & happiness in Perth what would it involve and where would you go?

I’d start with a boxing class at The Hurt Locker in Claremont then head down to City Beach for a swim and breakfast at Odyssea. I’d then go for a big bush walk in Reabold hill, followed by lunch at Someday Coffee Co in Floreat. Their menu is amazing, you can’t make a bad choice. My afternoon would be ultimate relaxation with a massage and facial at Bodhi J Spa in Wembley. I’ve never not fallen asleep here! It’s the most peaceful place in Perth. I’d finish my day with dinner at the beach with my friends to watch the sunset.

And lastly… do you have any top secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Do what makes you happy! Fitness should be fun. It’s a key elements to making it sustainable in your life. Keep trying new things until you find the one that leaves you feeling energised and wanting to go back for more.