Future Freaks #FitSpire of the Week: Lora Coughlin, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you…"
What gives someone the right to consider themselves a successful fitness model or personality in the industry? Is it the amount of covers one can land because of their physique? Could it be how many sponsors they are able to grab to help support them? Or is it the amount of money one can make between different modeling/ fitness gigs?
Everyone will tell you something different, but if there is one thing that is hard to disagree with, it’s the ability to promote and market yourself to others. Social media has begun to play a huge role in self marketing as an athlete, competitor, fitness model or personality in the Industry. These days, you don't need a modeling agency to help promote you, or a company to take you on as a sponsored athlete in order for you to be seen in the industry.
Someone who once could have been just an average fit person now has the ability to transform themselves into a “Social Media Fitness Star!” If you put in the time, the effort, and truly have a passion for fitness, you can change yourself from just a face with a body, to a bona fide personality – someone able to inspire and motivate others on their own fitness journey!
Lora Coughlin, age 27, hailing from Kelowna, BC, and currently residing in Fort
McMurray, AB, is proof that if you put in the time, effort, hard work in the gym AND the kitchen, and use social media as a tool to self-promote, you can turn your average health/fit lifestyle into a network that reaches out to endless amounts of people who want to take the time out to follow your journey.
Q: Tell me about your competitive history.
A: I have yet to compete but am currently eight short weeks away from my first stage debut.
Q: When did you get started on your fitness career/journey? What made you want to become more than just the average person living a healthy and fit lifestyle?
A: I've always been active and into fitness but just recently wanted to challenge myself. I thought why not see what my body and mind are capable of doing through hard work and dedication. I started heavy lifting only about six months ago and have been really focused on putting on lean muscle.
Q: Being that you have a loyal social media following, what is some advice that you would offer someone wanting to increase their popularity in the Fitness industry? What tips can you give someone to help them build their following as well?
A: Just be yourself. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. If you feel good and you’re putting positivity out there, people will naturally be interested.
Q: Do you consider this as your part/full time job or a hobby?
A: Right now it's a hobby. I wouldn't count this out as a job in the future, though. I love helping others and seeing people be successful.
Q: There are many people that motivate and are inspired by you. How does that make you feel knowing that there are people who take the time to see what you are doing day to day?
A: It’s very humbling to know that people are motivated and inspired by me. I'm just a simple girl who works hard day in and day out to achieve a healthy lifestyle… which has been a struggle. It's an amazing feeling to know that by sharing my pictures people feel motivated to do the same.
Q: Is there anyone who has motivated or inspired you to become the person you are today?
A: My fiancé motivates me every day to become better and he is there to push me through the tough times. This isn't always an easy journey and to have someone there to share it with is really special. Also my coach and team with Full Force Fitness are a huge inspiration and have made a huge impact on my life.
Q: How does your family feel about your lifestyle? What would you say to someone whose family does not support their lifestyle?
A: I’m lucky enough to have a great family that supports me along the way and is there to push me as well. I have seen many people and families who do not support this lifestyle and that makes it hard.
Q: Of all the social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), what do you think is the most effective to use in order to market yourself in this industry?
A: Instagram has worked best for me to market myself in this industry. It has allowed me to get my name out there to thousands of people and create a following consisting of people from Canada all the way to Australia and everywhere in between. Due to this, I have landed a sponsorship and many other opportunities which I am very grateful for.
Q: What is your diet like? Do you eat clean all year round?
A: I believe in clean eating year round. My diet consists of protein (chicken, ground beef, fish, etc.) healthy carbs (sweet potatoes, rice) and lots of greens. For me it is a lifestyle and I am always looking to make healthy choices. I am also a firm believer in allowing yourself to let loose and have a cheat as long as it has been earned. I try to have a cheat meal twice a week and use that as a time to go for dinner with my fiancé and/or see my friends.
Q: What is your favorite cheat meal? How do you control yourself from going overboard when you decide to treat yourself?
A: My favorite cheat meal is steak, cheesecake and the occasional glass of wine! The way I control myself is saving my cheat meal for the last meal of the day. This way when I get home it's time to go to bed and wake up to a fresh start. Usually, I will go out so there is no temptation at the house.
Q: Do you take any supplements? What do you think is one of the most impor
tant supplements someone should take who is training constantly?
A: On a daily basis I am taking protein, vitamins and BCAAs. I believe protein is the most important supplement people should take. Your body needs it the most to help rebuild and repair your muscles after intense training. Second to that, I make sure I drink my BCAAs while working out.
Q: What’s your social media/contact information?
A: My Instagram is @loradawn86 and business inquiries can email me: [email protected]
Q: Special thanks to:
A: To all the people that have been supporting me along this journey and making more opportunities possible.
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