The GEL-DS Trainer 14 is all about balance and intentional movement. During the shoot, and in your everyday life, how do you connect mind and body to move with purpose?

Staying connected and grounded within myself is a huge part of moving intentionally and staying balanced. Throughout my day I try to stay connected to my breath and becoming aware when the mind starts to take over. Taking little moments throughout my day to check in with myself helps me to stay grounded and move purposefully.

Morning rituals can really set the tone for the day. What does your ideal morning look like, and how does movement fit into that?

I’ve recently gotten back into routine of going for a walk first thing in the morning. Ideally without distractions, but I love listening to podcasts that inspire me and support mental health and wellbeing. By getting outside of the house and prioritizing myself through movement I enjoy, it truly sets the tone for the rest of the day

⁠Do you see movement as a form of creativity? How does your practice inspire your approach beyond the mat?

Definitely! I see movement as a blessing and I’m so grateful to be able to move my body. Feeling gratitude towards my body for what it does for me, even if it’s just the little things we often take for granted (like walking or breathing) inspires me to practice more gratitude in my life overall. This gratitude is connected to curiosity for me, because it helps me step back and see my body as part of a bigger process, not just something to fix or improve. It inspires be to get creative and have fun with movement: ‘what more can my body do? If I can do this, then could I maybe do ...X’. To me, there’s something so wholesome about when movement comes from creative curiosity rather than criticism, pressure or competition.

How important is the feeling of what’s on your feet when you’re in motion, especially first thing in the morning?

The feeling of what’s on my feet makes a big difference, especially first thing in the morning. If I’m not comfortable, it throws everything off. I’ll always choose comfort—it sets the tone for how I move through the rest of my day.

 What kind of energy do you try to cultivate in the first hour of your day—and how does it carry through your work?

Vulnerable, grounded, empowered and confident energy sets my day up for success. By allowing myself to go outside, move and choose ‘me’ in the first hour of the day, I feel more connected and therefor can carry myself and others with more intention and love throughout the day.

Talent: Romy Weevers | Photographer: Willemskantine | MUAH: Minou Meijers