Rebekah Davey’s knows a thing or two about keeping toned and in tip-top shape. Check out the 7 easy tips this principal ballerina, personal trainer and nutrition coach swears by…
Rebekhah Davey has been pirouetting as a ballerina since she was just three years-old, and those teeny tiny ballet shoes have taken her spinning across the globe. From roles with the Australian Ballet Company to performances as a Soloist and Principal Dancer with the Hong Kong Ballet, Peter Schaufuss Ballet in Denmark, Ballet Jorgen in Canada, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. But Rebekah’s career is not limited to the stage. She is also a dance coach and choreographer, personal trainer, nutrition coach and now, author of her first book, Lithe Fit and Toned Nutrition and Lifestyle Program. Here’s Rebekah’s secrets behind that incredible body, her motivation and approach to health and fitness…
‘My Ballerina Body’: 7 Tips I swear by…
1. “Staring my day with exercise.”
“Whether it’s a walk, intervals, weights or breaking out the skipping rope for a heart-pumping session, exercising first thing boosts my brain power and helps me function at my optimum all day. Exercising on an empty stomach has the added benefit of burning fat as fuel, helping me to stay lean.”
2. “I avoid processed and white wheat-based foods.”
“These foods are calorie dense and nutrient and fibre poor, causing insulin spikes, energy crashes and a whole host of other negative effects. I like to think of food as medicine, to nourish and sustain me, so I promote energy and wellbeing with nutrient-dense meals. These are based around high-fibre whole foods, including raw fruits, lean proteins, some good fats and lots of green veggies.”
3. “Keeping hydrated is paramount.”
“Water is the elixir of the gods, with adequate hydration being essential for optimum body and brain function. Water helps suppress your appetite, flush out toxins, lift fatigue and regulate your digestive system, along with assisting with a multitude of other body functions. I cleanse and revitalise my system in the morning with warm water and lemon, then drink another two litres of water throughout the day.”
4. “I include protein at every meal.”
“Protein helps maintain a lean and healthy body in a number of ways. Protein digests slowly, satisfying the appetite and providing sustained energy. Because it takes more energy to break down, protein has the most pronounced thermogenic effect of all the macronutrients. It is also essential for muscle and tissue growth and repair. Including protein at every meal aids recovery and energises me throughout the day.”
5. “I practise moderation with alcohol.”
“A healthy lifestyle is all about balance, and when it comes to alcohol, moderation is key. Alcohol is high in calories and low in nutrients, however a drink or two on the weekend is something I enjoy as part of my healthy, active lifestyle. Vodka-soda with a squeeze of fresh lime is a favourite beverage of mine, and with just 60 calories per serve, it’s a satisfying and guilt-free way to let my hair down.”
6. “Stretching daily sets me up.”
“Stretching is not just for dancers – everyone can benefit. Stretching releases dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ brain chemical, and helps promote relaxation, relieve stress, prevent injury, increase circulation and improve joint flexibility. Performing a few stretches before bed helps me relax and slip into a deep, restful slumber.
7. “Reflection and journaling help my overall wellbeing.”
“Life is busy and stressful, so taking time out to reflect is important. Journaling is my outlet to reflect on and manage my physical and mental wellbeing. I stay inspired and focused by recording my goals, achievements and the things I am grateful for. Reflection on my experiences allows me to celebrate successes, grow from mistakes and maintain mental clarity no matter how stressful life becomes.”
About Rebekah
Rebekah’s passion for health and fitness began at the early age of three, when she donned her first pair of ballet shoes. She trained seven days a week throughout her ballet career and was accepted into the Australian Ballet School at the age of nine. Her professional career as a ballerina began with the Hong Kong Ballet then continued all around the globe with key companies. After returning to Australia in 2006, Rebekah became a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, and is now the creator and driving force behind Lithe Fit and Toned Nutrition and Lifestyle Program, where she shares her lifelong passion for health and fitness and the secrets to achieving the lithe body of a dancer.
What’s your number one tip for staying fit, healthy and motivated?
