We love finding out about the philosophies of Aotearoa’s experts on health, nutrition, wellbeing and fitness! This week we asked Helene Taito-Jensen, a yoga instructor based in Auckland, the NZ Real Health 10 Quick Questions:
1. In a nutshell, what do you do for your job?
I assist people with developing a better sense of themselves and their bodies, and help them realise more about their potential through the practise of Hatha yoga.
2. How did you get into your line of work?
I used to work as a broadcast journalist back in Copenhagen, Denmark. My life was very busy and I often thought about how I would like to create balance. I often would think of previous experiences of peace and balance when going to yoga class and had a quiet dream of becoming a yoga teacher, without really seeing how that could ever come to fruition.
When I moved to NZ, I realised I couldn’t pursue my career in broadcasting as my English wasn’t flawless and it ‘forced’ me to pursue another career. First with Les Mills where I trained to become a Body Balance instructor, and then on to do lots of yoga training with many great teachers in New Zealand, Hawaii and India. Things really just fell into place and I never looked back.
3. What’s the best thing about your job?
All the wonderful people I meet in class and their beautiful stories about how the teachings of Hatha yoga are aiding them in their lives and in helping them to find a deeper purpose.
4. What do you do to keep fit?
Lots of yoga, some cycling, some running, some dancing and a little surfing.
5. What’s your philosophy on nutrition and diets?
I eat a whole food, plant based, cruelty-free diet as I find this is the best for me, for the planet and the other beings I share this earth with.
6. What does keeping healthy mean to you?
Being happy and able to move freely while feeling good in my skin.
7. What motivates you to stay on track with your own nutrition and training?
Firstly how good it makes me feel. Secondly being a high carb vegan makes me even more aware of staying healthy as I hope to motivate others to make better choices for themselves and the planet, and let’s face it, I won’t be motivating anyone if I look un-fit and emaciated.
8. What’s your best health or fitness tip?
Get your sleep, water, carbs, sunshine and exercise (preferably some exercise you enjoy). Keep your protein and fat intake low.
9. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to take?
Seeds to grow my favourite veggies and salads, tools to harvest all the beautiful fruit and coconuts I’m assuming would be growing on that particular desert island and my husband (if he count as a thing?!).
10. Any favourite inspirational quotes?
You haven’t failed until you stop trying – Never stop trying, it is the key to succeeding!
To see Helene’s classes, visit:
www.lesmills.co.nz (Les Mills New Lynn timetable)
www.kawaipurapura.co.nz (Wednesday nights)
Or contact her directly through at yogawithhelene@gmail.com
Images / Supplied