In Conversation With AJE ATHLETICA Ambassadors

AJE ATHLETICA Ambassadors in Bouddi National Park on New South Wales' Central Coast

AJE ATHLETICA Ambassadors in Bouddi National Park on New South Wales' Central Coast

Meet model and body positivity activist,

Jessica Vander Leahy.

As an AJE ATHLETICA Ambassador, how do you relate to our A.A ethos of championing performance to promote wellbeing?

I believe that A.A understands the approach to health is not a 'one size fits all’ mentality. That being said, we can all agree that everyone deserves to feel encouraged to lead an active lifestyle and at the heart of the A.A performance-led, sustainable athleticwear capsule, there is an inclusive spirit, which is an approach I really admire.

What keeps you motivated to achieve your performance goals? And how do you maintain your match fitness?

For me it’s really important to enjoy my approach to fitness and because I want to do it regularly I have to switch it up and keep it fun. As long as I’m keeping my goals in check as I'm fully aware I’m not a professional athlete and really just need to keep active, so I see working out as a fun release, not a punishment.

How does AJE ATHLETICA make you feel?

I feel great wearing quality fabrics and cuts But also, personally, it’s nice to see a cool Australian brand opening up their size range.

At what point did fitness, wellness and an active lifestyle become a priority in your life?

For me it's always been a priority. The benefits of fitness are mostly mental for me and I’m completely transformed after exerting myself into a much more Zen version of myself.

Share your favourite workout routine with us.

Boxing and running! The combo of the two are just hitting the right spot for me.

How do you style your A.A performance wear from the studio to the streets?

Because it’s so fashion-forward, I think A.A goes really beautifully combined with Aje ready-to-wear pieces. The mixture of the bike pant and sport socks teamed with a bold coat or leather jacket just does it for me!

Meet Pilates Instructor Holly Davis.

As an AJE ATHLETICA Ambassador, how do you relate to our A.A ethos of championing performance to promote wellbeing?

For me performance is key to my wellbeing, it's a function that really enables me to relax completely when I workout. I don't want to have to worry about if what I'm wearing is able to support me and this is the same for when I'm mediating, I want to know I can solely focus on what's ahead.

What keeps you motivated to achieve your performance goals? And how do you maintain your match fitness?

What motivates me is that there's no better feeling than knowing whatever life throws at me, I will feel my best to tackle it. I love feeling well rested and fit enough to be able to go on a walk with a friend and not be out of breath whilst I'm chatting to her. It's also important for me to feel great from the inside out. When it comes to my fitness it's all about what I enjoy and makes my body move with ease. This drives me when I'm teaching others too!

How does AJE ATHLETICA make you feel?

A.A makes me feel really supported. If I have a big shoot day and I need to film workouts, I know that I'll be feeling supported to look my best on camera and move in whatever way I need to move. I feel elevated, strong, feminine and grounded. The sustainability element to A.A makes me feel really empowered when I put it on, because I know the choices that I'm making is aligning with my beliefs.

At what point did fitness, wellness and an active lifestyle become a priority in your life?

I grew up dancing, but as I grew older and began to make it a job, I found myself in a lot of pain all the time. Then I started to work with Pilates and I realised how much it made a difference with the connection I had to my body. It helped me achieve all of the things I wanted to do; a safe, intelligent effect of movement helped me do what I wanted to do. And when I found that for myself, it made me want to share my passion with others.

Share your favourite workout routine with us.

I'm obsessed with my online platform called Virtual MVMT. It is such a great resource to do anytime, anywhere. We think about really considered, intelligent and mindful movement. It's definitely a mindful burn!

How do you style your A.A performance wear from the studio to the streets?

I love wearing my High Rise Bike Shorts and my Sports Bra 023 when I teach. Once I finish, I wear my trackpants over the top and low rise with my A.A cap. The Khaki tone is my favourite to style. I would also put a trench over the top, with a hoodie underneath, but never underestimate the power of a good sock to elevate your look!

Meet athlete Jessica Sergis.

As an AJE ATHLETICA Ambassador, how do you relate to our A.A ethos of championing performance to promote wellbeing?

Wellbeing is a huge focus in our family. Since being a young kid, my siblings and I were really active. Playing sport every weekend, riding our bikes, walking our dogs, swimming at the beach, eating really healthy home cooked meals; wellbeing is in my blueprint. Living an active lifestyle and playing football really helps keep me stay mentally strong & healthy. I feel so honoured to be able to share this powerful message with all of the other young women that I get to connect with daily on my platforms.

What keeps you motivated to achieve your performance goals?

What keeps me motivated is always wanting to be better! I know I’ve got to work hard, and there is always someone wanting my position. I train four days a week and play one 70 minute football game weekly.

How does AJE ATHLETICA make you feel?

Strong, sexy, confident & comfortable. Not only do I feel great working out in it, I love how stunning the fashion pieces are in this capsule.

At what point did fitness, wellness and an active lifestyle become a priority in your life?

From a very young age. Being active is all I know, because of my sport and exercise I always feel healthy, happy and challenged. Keeping active is everything for me!

Share your favourite workout routine with us.

I love a combination of strength/hypertrophy training paired with short, sharp, high intensity full body workouts. My sister is a personal trainer and helps program them for me when I’m not training with my football team.

Activation: glute band bridges, seated clams, squats to bench, plank, bird dogs x 20 reps of all exercises.
A/ Squats x 4 x 8
B1/ Bench Press x 3 x 8
B2/ Body Weight Chin ups x 3 x AMRAP
C1/ Barbell Bent over row x 3 x 10
C2/ Dumbbell Shoulder Press x 3 x 10
Finisher: complete all rounds no rest until sets are completed.
D1/ Weighted Russian twists x 3 x 20
D2/ Bicycles x 3 x 20
D3/ Squat Jumps x 3 x 15
D4/ Wall Ball Throws x 3 x 15

How do you style your A.A performance wear from the studio to the streets?

A sleek pony is key, a pair of clean, fresh kicks, my sunnies and my bag worn across body with a coffee in hand.