Research shows 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues, and it's no secret that exercise can help improve mood as well as positively impacting physical health. 

Supacore would like to welcome Andrea to the Supacore Ambassador Team - read about her experience and how she stays motivated. 

Name: Andrea Rueda

Location: I am from Colombia and reside in Perth Australia

Tell us a bit about yourself – what sports do you play and how long have you been doing it for?

My sporting background reduces to my passion for life. Wanting to live for as long as humanly possible while enjoying the independence that a good mental & physical health would provide to my quality of life. I have kept fairly active since I was in my 20's but in 2011 while studying to become a Personal Trainer, I discovered my passion for weight training. Got myself a pair of 1 kg dumbbells and started from there. At first, from 2011 to 2013 my focus was on physical appearance, wanting to *see* results, which became frustrating and as a consequence, I wasn't consistent enough. In 2013 something switched and I started focusing on how challenging myself moving a heavy weight from A. to B. made me *feel* in that very moment. I have been training for 5 years consistently 5-7 days a week.

What’s your greatest or favourite (or both) sporting achievement? 

My achievements are staying panic attack free and keeping a healthy mental health + having a fit physique that allows me to function and perform in & out of the gym. Living a healthy life @ 42 and continue to do so.

What do you love about what you do?

How empowering the practice of that sport is for me and how it benefits not only my physical but my mental health & fitness too. When I started experiencing panic attacks, I knew I had to take control of my mind before letting it control my entire life. Weight training for me has been a life changer.

What keeps you motivated to keep active and continue playing your sport?

Wanting to live for a long time with the best quality of life I possibly can.

What would you tell someone who was looking to achieve what you have, or what’s the best piece of advice that someone has ever given you that’s helped you to get to where you are today?

Find something deeper & stronger that drives you to train or perform the physical activity of your choice. Something different than a mere physical appearance. Achieving a certain look is cool but it loses its 'cool' eventually.

Why did you want to be a part of Team Supacore?

Because Supacore is a performance sportswear with a mission equivalent to mine with my passion for weight training. Supacore wants its athletes, and I mean not only professional athletes but everyday 'athletes' like me, to perform and enjoy having a body that is capable and in good health that allows them to do what they love. Supacore focuses on performance, not only looks.

What’s your current favourite Supacore product and why?

Oh, it's going to have to be the Injury Recovery & Prevention Compression Leggings! Those leggings are an absolute life changer and I'd walk around in them ALL day if I could! Their CORETECH seamlessly knitted waistband literally provides relief and protect you from injury and pain. LOVE them. 

Where can people find you if they want to learn more? 

Instagram: @im_ilive.ilift