This interview is part of the Real Talk Real Women interview series, where we bring you the life-changing, heart-warming and inspirational stories behind the most successful women in health and fitness. Make sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest interviews! For this installment, we are joined by Kimberly Hoogendoorn.
Let’s start off with a general introduction. How would you describe yourself, what are you all about and how did you get involved in health and fitness?
Well hello, my name is Kimberly and how I would describe myself would be... fun, loving, caring, hyper, extremist.
I have my own business as a hairstylist, which I'm extremely passionate about. I work in the salon with clients mainly but I also do a ton of editorial work, and I'm an educator for Bumble and Bumble out of New York.
When I'm not working I'm at the gym, running, swimming, walking my best friend Wesley (he is the cutest) and eating.
Where does your motivation come from?
My motivation come from .... honestly I'm extremely vain... and because I'm so hyper I find it almost a must to be active. I also find motivation through being super competitive, with myself and with others. I never like to settle and always want to push myself to a better me or to try something new, this helps me never get "bored" of being active.
As you decided to make a career out of your passion - what were your biggest stumbling blocks along the way?
With fitness my biggest struggle was the balance with my other passion hair/work. I also had off days and I found that when I motivated others to be healthy and fit, it really motivated me to push harder and share more things.
I also found that it's harder for one in Canada to be involved with the industry. The sponsorships from Canadian companies are just as demanding as the ones out of the USA but pay you squat. The magazines and companies almost take advantage of the men and women here.
What’s your perspective on the importance of self-care?
Self-care is extremely important because at the end of the day it's "YOUR" body and you have to live with it, literally until you’re old and grey.
I have always been the one to push my limits by not letting something heal properly or pushing myself in the gym and all that lead to was re-injury or new injuries which means not only do you get forced to take it easy and go stir crazy but you also have the opportunity for those things to haunt you in the future.
So listen to your body and give it a rest sometimes! Also from my other passion- hair is the accessory you can’t take off so pay attention to your hair!
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about women lifting weight?
That we will get big and bulky and look like a man!
So not true, if you want to build muscle ladies then by all means but even then you will never be able to do that unless you have substance that help along the way. Which to me is a huge no no ! But I love weights because they make me strong and who doesn't like to be tough️.
Many young women who want to lose weight believe that not eating is the way to do it, without realising the consequences of that kind of behavior.
Why do you think this is and what’s your perspective on educating society on healthy nutrition habits?
Honestly this drives me bonkers! I hate seeing or hearing about "dieting" ladies you need to eat to have you metabolism work! Do you think your metabolism is working hard when you drink shakes or don't eat... NO. So eat, eat healthy and eat in moderation!
What are the most unexpected lessons you’ve learned on your health and fitness journey this far?
How incredible our bodies are and how responsive they can be if fed well and respected.
What do you do to maintain balance in your life?
I walk a lot with my pooch to clear my head and always make sure I have down time to reflect, my down time is going for a run... moving meditation I call it.
How do you stay productive?
By getting up early and getting outside no matter the weather, I find it gets me starting my day right and in an instant good mood.
Can you give a breakdown of your current diet, training and supplementation regimen and the thinking behind it?
I eat very often, my friends joke and call me the garburator. I eat healthy of course, think about one ingredient foods. My training is 4 days in the gym, then 7 days a week I run, swim or bike. Plus I walk everywhere!
Supplements I take are liquid iron (I'm anemic) vitamin D and Calcium Magnesium, and before my workouts in the gym I take a pre workout
If you could only choose one thing, what would you tell your younger self?
Enjoy the journey! Don't take things for granted. Wait a minute I'm still young!
What are some of your goals?
I want to continue what I'm doing but maybe run another marathon or do a bike race. I've taken the past year to lean out and have an all around healthy lifestyle, next year I want to expand my horizons. Maybe even do some different extreme sports️.
Where can people go to learn more about you online?
Stay tuned for the next interview of Real Talk Real Women!