Q&A WITH MINA IMSI
We sat down with the absolutely stunning, down to earth, Chadwick model/marketing manager and the face of our latest campaign, Mina Imsi to talk all things health, fitness and life.
What’s a typical day in the life of Mina?
Crawl out of bed, as hard as I may try I really am not a morning person, but I try to fit in my workouts before work every day, that way I have no excuses later in the day and I always feel better for it anyway! Breakfast is fuel for the day ahead and I have the most delicious preservative free muesli mix I create myself so I’m always prepared. I then head into work which varies day to day, sometimes its on set, other days it’s in the office as marketing manager for a retail giant or at home working on my business. Which ever it may be it usually keeps me super busy till around 6pm – I will always go for a long walk to release any tension from the work day. I find it so therapeutic! I love cooking so majority of the time I make dinner at home and experiment with creating healthy versions of my favourite indulgences. I will then wind down with some music and stretching, every night, it seriously makes me sleep like a baby!
How important is leading a healthy lifestyle to you?
It is my number one priority. I feel that if you prioritise your health, everything else falls into place. By that I mean really looking after your overall health. Sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and of course fun! That way you know that you are always physically and mentally ready for any challenge that lies ahead.
What is your exercise routine?
What is your exercise routine?I really like to mix it up as nothing holds my attention for very long. I do yoga 1-2 times per week. I do boxing once a week. I do a strength training sessions 1-2 times per week and in between depending on how I’m feeling I might go for a hike, do a spin or pilates class. I just think its important to keep your body moving, I always take the option of walking somewhere if I can. Even a good dancing session is sometimes my ideal form of exercise!
As a model, how do you deal with the pressure to keep up with industry standards and stay body-positive?
As a model you really have to have a thick skin and understand that rejection is not personal. We are really lucky in Australia as a healthy body image is celebrated and there is never a great pressure for models to be unnaturally thin. There are so many gorgeous women in this world of varying shapes and sizes so no matter what you look like there will always be someone who thinks you’re not their cup of tea. I focus on my positive qualities that go beyond appearances. I believe they are so much more important.
Do you have any advice for young women wanting to lead a healthy lifestyle?
The only way you will truly lead a healthy lifestyle is by getting your mindset right. Hours in the gym and deprivation are far from healthy. Mental health is so important and plays a major role in physical health. Ensuring that you’re doing it for the right reasons is crucial. As corny as it sounds, listening to your body is so important and if every now and again you just want to sleep in and spend the day indulging in a few too many treats, that is probably exactly what your body needs and it will do you more good than forcing a workout.
Try to make the right choices every day, get enough rest, be kind and mindful, nourish and treat your body and eventually you will see the mental and physical benefits. The physical benefits are like icing on the cake in my opinion, welcome but not the sole focus!
Most people probably don’t know this about you:
Most people probably don’t know this about you:There is not a song out there that I cannot rap flawlessly!
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received:
Be your own best friend.
Workout playlist you’re currently obsessed with:
I just compiled one this morning..think Drake, Future, Ty Dolla $ign, Jay-Z
Your food philosophy:
The food you eat can be either the safest & powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.
Favourite restaurant in Melbourne:
Always has and always will be Longrain – fresh, flavoursome food that never fails to impress.
Three must-follow Instagram accounts:
@celestebarber (hilarious)
@gypsea_lust (travel inspo)
@melbournecleaneats (who doesn’t wanna try out epic new spots)
Who inspires you and why?
The women in my life. My girlfriends, my sister and my mum. I am very lucky to be surrounded by such driven and motivated women. Knowing that I will always have support, realistic advice and a kick up the butt if required is a great feeling. I feel so proud and inspired when I see them achieve their dreams.
Your current mantra:
If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room (keep learning).