We are so thrilled to introduce Steph to the Twosixmag Community! Steph is not only an Olympic champion snowboarder, but a lover of all things health and fitness. She was generous enough to share with Twosix her journey to wellness and what motivated her to opening the aesthetically beautiful Studio PP – a premium training studio in Melbourne. 

Steph, can you tell us a little about you? 

Hi I’m Steph- I am positively obsessed with all things healthy and active living. I am a former Winter Olympian so it’s no surprise that snowboarding, snowflakes and mulled wine are a few of my favourite things. I’m the founder of Premium Performance fitness method and recently opened Studio PP: a complete health and fitness space in Melbourne.

Can you tell us about your journey to wellness? What led you to opening Studio PP?

My business Premium Performance was launched in 2012 following my exit from professional sports due to a horrific accident.  The focus was women’s outdoor group fitness training business in parks around Melbourne.  I focused on motivation and making fitness fun to women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes helping them become the most premium versions of themselves, ultimately performing their best in health, fitness and life.

It quickly grew into a popular mumma’s fitness, girls boot camp and personal training business.

In 2013 I added Pilates to the business seeing and loving the effects it had on my own rehabilitation process (following my snowboarding accident after the 2010 winter Olympics). Last year I opened my first pop up Pilates studio on Chapel St. Windsor.

It quickly outgrew itself and after eight glorious months it was decided PP deserved a permanent roof over its head that was not dictated by Melbourne’s bipolar weather.

Launched in May 2015, the studio offers a complete fitness and wellness experience from Pilates, yoga, barre, bootcamp, personal training, massage and nutritional advice; all of which effortlessly support you on your journey of good health and strength.

Have you always been conscious of your own health and wellbeing?

I was a professional athlete for 10 years of my life so fitness was always a focus for me. My family have always been super active as well, but my perspective definitely changed after my accident.

I was an action sports junkie and obsessed with smashing my body, training 30 hours a week pre-accident. It was the injury and LONG rehabilitation process that shifted my perspective and take on health and fitness and ‘wellness’. I often say I take much better care of myself these days.

What does a typical day in the life of Steph Prem look like?

Morning starts with hot lemon water, stretches and a basic Pilates rehab routine to wake up and unlock the body. I can run up to 8-10 Pilates, personal training and bootcamp classes per days so incidental exercise is always a bonus. But on a quieter day I like to sneak in my own workout with my trainer/ rehab guru or a Pilates class. I find it helps my pain management and keeps me less stressed mentally and physically.

I try to make time for a nice lunch with my hubby, or girlfriends as often I work nights and get home to late to organise anything or enjoy a nice meal. Luckily my hubby is quite the master chef and often whips up a surprise.

When clients enter your studio, How do you want them to feel?

The space has been designed for them to feel at home and not intimidated – like people often do walking into a big gym setup.

Often clients are still tired, stressed or rushing in the door but it’s the feeling they get when they leave a class that is important to me. I want them to believe and feel they are stronger, invigorated, empowered and excited to come back for more.

Bree and I have found there is a huge focus on the physical, that most of us want to look fit and healthy, and yet we seem to have neglected the health of our mind. There is an enormous increase in mental illness particularly amongst young people. What do you believe is happening? 

What do you believe is happening? 

Be kind to yourself! I come from a professional sports background where performance was about how your body operates, not how you look. I struggle with a lot of the “fitspo” movement that exists at the moment. It dominates social media and definitely affecting societies perception of health, fitness and ‘wellness’. Science has linked the infamous “selfie” to narcissism, addiction and low self-esteem. I want to encourage people to take a step away from mirror and the camera, and focus on how they feel inside and the outside will follow.

When do you feel most balanced?

When I have a good routine with my health and fitness and surround myself with beautiful friends, family and lots of laughter.

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

That no matter how or who cut your hair you were never going to look like Gwenyth Paltrow in Sliding Doors. Pixie hair cut and Afro curls don’t make for a good look.

Who and what has been an important influence in your life?

My family and friends have always been my biggest influence, inspiration and encouragement. My sporting career had a huge influence and it instilled certain values in me that have paved the way to my career in health and wellness.

What do you believe is the most important change people should make if they want to be kinder to themselves?

Investing in yourself and your health and wellness is like having insurance on your body.  Know what works for you and trust that. Everyone is different.

I think we can all be better- start small, the 1% ’s add up eventually.

What are the most valuable things you’ve experienced so far?

Trust your intuition

Back yourself

Surround yourself with a good ‘inner circle’

Always dream big

What are your pantry essentials?

• Bliss balls
• Eggs
• Activated nuts
• Avocado
• Green smoothie ingredients
• Chia seeds
• Popcorn

Three surprising things about you?

I love Britney Spears

I am coeliac

I am married to an Austrian

What does the future hold for Steph Prem?

If only I knew…the possibilities are endless. Watch this space. 

Lastly. Do you have a life philosophy or favourite quote?

Happy! **cue Pharrell Williams theme song**

 

W: www.studiopp.com.au

F: @premiumperformance

I: @stephieprem

E:

Studio PP: 7 Almeida Crescent, South Yarra – for all your Personal training, reformer Pilates, Pilates, barre, Bootcamp, yoga, boxing, massage and nutrition needs. Classes are open from Monday 25 May!

 

Head over to People + Profiles to get to know the real Steph and read her fun 26 things!