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Katie Davies is a former UK national athlete and an international personal trainer. She currently lives in Mexico and is co-owner of the Tulum Jungle Gym.
The Tulum Jungle Gym in Mexico, known as the worlds best beach gym combines fitness and nature for a truly different experience. All the equipment is personally designed and carved by local carpenters to add to the authentic jungle feel!
We interviewed Katie to find out more about her journey and her inspiring content that is an influence to us and her thousands of followers.
What is your morning routine?
I feed the cats before doing anything else as they wake me up at 5am every day for food. I then put the coffee machine on and shower while waiting for coffee. After that I drink two black coffees back-to-back, eat some oats and then head up to the beach to catch the morning sunrise over the ocean while stretching and then train.
Has this always been your routine? How has your routine changed over time?
Well to be honest when I lived in the UK it was the same, feed the cats, shower, coffee and then catch the sunrise over the ocean before I trained or trained clients. So, I guess yes, it’s always been my routine apart from having a different and warmer ocean view now.
Do you incorporate any meditation into your morning routine, if so how and when?
I see training as my meditation, it’s a change for me to Steichen off and just think about the exercises I am doing and nothing else.
What is a positive daily habit you try to incorporate into your lifestyle?
Having plenty of down time and afternoon naps. I really do think that napping is great for the mind. I am a big believer in working for yourself so you can do what you want when you want which is something you can’t do if you work for someone else. You get to choose how and where you spend your time and your free to do as you please.
What particular food/drink do you have every morning and why?
Coffee, as I just love the smell and taste and water that’s all I drink really. I couldn’t live without either.
How do you structure/plan your day?
I don’t plan or structure, that’s one rule I have. I like things to just naturally pan out and see where the day takes me. Obviously, I have appointments and meetings that I have to book in but the rest of the time I let life unfold and don’t like to plan ahead. That way you can’t be disappointed if something doesn’t go the way you planned.
What advice would you give to others trying to change their morning routines?
Get up early in the morning. It’s the best part of the day when you are most productive. I don’t like to do much after 2pm, so I would rather get up at 5am and finish by 2 than wake up later and be cramming tasks in all day. The morning is also so quiet and peaceful, that’s why I like to be out and about when most people are still sleeping.
How soon do you check your phone in the morning?
Some days when I’m having my first coffee and some days a few hours into the day. It’s not planned I look at it if I need it to do something but if not, I leave it alone. I’m not controlled by my phone it’s there to aid me with my tasks and nothing more.What are your most important tasks in the morning?
Trying to make the perfect coffee, sometimes it’s too strong, sometimes too weak, sometimes not enough water, it proves to be a challenge most mornings.
When you feel anxious, unfocused or overwhelmed - what do you do to get yourself back on track?
Train then after that I write everything down on the computer or I talk to myself out loud to get it out of my system. Then I would probably clarify my thoughts with a friend before retiring over what I’ve written or said, until it’s all out.
In the last three years what new behaviour or habits has most improved your life and why?
Giving up drinking alcohol. I never drink during the week but used to on the weekend. Then 5 years ago I stopped as the hangovers were lasting 3-5 days and ruining my week and productivity. It’s the best thing I ever did, I have much more time and a much more clearer head to be productive.