The new year has almost arrived so it’s time to pump out those new year resolutions again. One Gold Coaster who is passionate about your wellbeing, health and happiness next year (and every year) is Tamsin Meekel. Tamsin is a gut health and happiness coach (we all need some of that), Pilates studio owner (Inner Vision Pilates, Southport) and passionate poop speaker. We caught up with Tamsin recently for a chat to discuss her career to date, the many hats she wears and her best health tips.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
2008 – moved to Aus from South Africa and how could you not want to come live right next to the ocean!
What do you love most about living here?
GC has the perfect City Vibes, while being no more than 30 minutes from the ocean at all locations; and that every morning there are always people up and about walking on the water being active.
Tell us about your career thus far.
I studied Nursing here at Griffith University and started at Allamanda Hospital in 2012, now I run the leading Day Surgery Centre on the GC at Gold Coast Private Hospital. While the Day Surgery was being built I studied my pilates instructor training and started my Pilates business “Inner Vision Pilates” where I’ve also incorporated online training to reach clients globally.
What’s your proudest business moment?
My proudest moment was having my first online training launch in March where I have over 700 clients start and join in. Over the last 9 months I’ve grown my online reach and now have clients for my online pilates from as far as Canada, Holland, South Africa & Dubai, to name a few. 2020 taught me that there are no boundaries in being able to reach and coach people globally.
Tell us about Inner Vision Pilates.
I started IV Pilates after my own personal pilates journey to reach my goal of being able to bend over with straight legs and be able to reach my toes. In my nursing role I see so many patients come through and struggle to mobilise to my ultimate goal is to get everyone feeling as bendy & lengthy as possible!
Tell us about why you’re passionate about health.
I want the taboo topics to be normal to talk about. In life we all do things everyday, yet most of the regular “health” topics are still uncomfortable for most people. My nursing background is Gastroenterology and I always encourage people to talk about their daily bowel habits. This ties into Pilates as we train your pelvic muscles, one of them attaches to you bum (haha!!) so we need to make this topic normal and I’ve created a space where you can reach out with anything uncomfortable.
What are your best health tips?
We always say, “If it’s not normal, get it checked!”. If it doesn’t feel right or if you second guess anything, ask someone. We also say, “allow your body to move the way it was designed to”. If you’re not flexible, don’t assume you can do the spilts after one day. Move daily, eat good foods and be happy.
What’s in the works for you for 2021?
We have our online platform having a big shift coming with a big focus on daily movement. Watch this space!
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Café for breakfast: Bear Boy & Buoy oh Buoy
Coffee spot: Raw Espresso – you can Pilates and then coffee straight after!
Restaurant for dinner: Maruya (in Southport)… it’s dinner with so many things to look at inside
Bar or pub for a drink: 360 near The Grand in Labrador & La Bella Cellar
How does your weekend usually look? Pilates in the AM, coffee/groceries, beach, walk puppies and then go somewhere for dinner – where we always try a Rose or Pinot Noir. Sunday walks depend on how many glasses get drunk the night before… #balance
