Have you ever wondered what a Physie Champion gets up to in the off season? What does a physie girl do when she doesn’t have her weekly class to attend?! Here is a glimpse of what Jessica Hardt, the 2018 Open Senior 21-22 and Overall Champion, has been doing in her time off over the holiday period.

What do you like to do in the physie break?
I really enjoy relaxing over the physie break and spending time with my family. The days I’m not working I like to explore the outdoors as much as possible, going for hikes and day trips to the beach. North Stradbroke Island is one of my favourite places to visit. I always look forward to Christmas over the break too, as it brings together two of my favourite things – my beautiful family and delicious food.

What’s your favourite hobby or something that people might not know about you?

I absolutely love being in the kitchen! Cooking, baking and meal prepping are some of my favourite things to do. I enjoy experimenting with different foods and flavours and I love the challenge of making food that is both tasty and nutritious. A dream of mine is to one day write my own recipe book.

How do you keep fit, healthy and flexible over the break so that you’re ready for the new year?

I love conquering a few good hill runs to start my day, which helps to maintain my fitness over the physie break. I keep up my strengthening with Pilates and also enjoy yoga for the stretching and feel good vibes.

Do you have a favourite personal quote you either heard or have made yourself?

• Nourish to flourish – this is my favourite quote relating to my work as a Dietitian. Your body needs the right fuel to enhance not only your performance but day to day activities.
• A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms – this is my favourite quote relating to physie. To do your best it’s vital to place your full focus on yourself. No one can change how hard you train or the performance you give, but you. This helps to find that special spark within you and really dance from the heart. That’s when the magic happens.