Full disclosure: I started watching Shona Vertue’s workout videos on her YouTube channel as a way to learn more about her training methods and to get a better sense of her personality. Okay, you caught me…I also couldn’t stop watching because her Australian accent is the shiz. Fast forward a few weeks—I now work out along with at least one of her videos every single day, starting my mornings off right with this Vertuous Quickie (a clever name for her shorter workout videos that also serves as a testament to her wit). Shona’s ability to captivate and educate people all over the world on all things food and fitness is one of the reasons our HealthyWay team knew we had to share her talents with our readers. During her youth in Australia, Shona pursued gymnastics, surfing, dance, and bodybuilding. Although her bodybuilding experience resulted in a brief battle with orthorexia, Shona views this time a powerful learning opportunity during which she acquired new knowledge about nutrition and how to properly build muscle. It was also during this time that she realized feeling good should always come before looking good—a belief that she often shares with her personal training clients and followers. Shona knows firsthand that self-love is a more powerful source of motivation than vanity, and all her efforts demonstrate that. After relocating to London from Australia in 2014, Shona started working in an office environment and began noticing body aches and pains due to her sedentary weekday routine. Although she no longer works a 9 to 5 office gig, Shona still creates videos for those of us who do—and boy are we grateful! With more than 10 years of experience as a yoga teacher and personal trainer, Shona is eager to share her insights to help you (yeah you!) feel your best—regardless of where you are in your fitness journey. One of the things we enjoy most about Shona is her incredible personality and emotional intelligence. Whether in writing or on film, Shona’s sense of humor shines through and keeps her message both relatable and inspirational. From full flow videos to HIIT workouts to short clips focused on breaking down specific foundational yoga poses, Shona really does have something to offer anyone who’s looking to get their workout on. Fortunately, Shona doesn’t keep all of her hot bod secrets to herself. In fact, she willingly shares her tips in her book The Vertue Method: a 28-day plan that has a little bit of something for everyone, from vinyasa yoga, meditation, mobility, and full-body circuit training to a registered dietitian–approved eating plan and more. While Shona is all for helping you get the bum of your dreams, she also wants your soul to be well. She views exercise as an opportunity to enjoy your body by taking time to be present and listen to what it is telling you, which we feel is an extremely important message. If you’re looking for a reason to smile today, take some time for yourself and try a Vertuous Quickie workout tonight after work (or even while you’re at the office). 
A Day in the Life
What does your daily routine look like?
It varies so much, however, there are a few things that remain constant—and must remain for my sanity—those being my daily Meds (Meditation), a workout (whether it’s at home or in a gym), and a good moisturiser (because my Islander skin needs that self-care every day in London).
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
I feel as though we have so many opportunities in our daily life to practice self-care, from swapping a workout for a relaxing bath to saying no to an event or task that would push your stress levels over the edge. I try to consider the idea of self-care in as many decisions as possible. In saying that, my favorite self-care practice at the moment is slowly devouring a self-made crème brûlée—the satisfaction it brings from an elementary perspective as well as the gratification I get from knowing that I made it soothes my soul and my ego!
How do you stay inspired?
I try to stay as curious as possible—I’m always learning, and it’s the spark that comes from learning something new that makes me want to continue to learn even more. As Anaïs Nin says, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage”—so I try to take risks to stay engaged and on my toes, or heels if I’m activating my glutes. See what I did there? Lame personal trainer joke. 
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Loving Lately…
What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?
Skimdo—a curl creme that has changed my life and the lives of my other curly-haired brothers and sisters (from other misters). Chanel Blue Serum has changed the game for my skin while living in London.
What are your favorite apps?
Google Translate—so that I can answer DMs in other languages and practice French and Spanish. Insight Timer – Meditation App—there are guided meditations, but I use it to keep track of my meditation habits. The gong sounds are also amazing.
Whose Instagram is on your radar?
Hannah Bronfman: I just think that she is so chic and makes health and fitness cool. Celest Pereira Yoga is an incredibly knowledgeable yoga teacher and physiotherapist. She is also an author and takes the most incredible pictures of her own practice. #skills Cycles and Sex for educating men and women on social media about periods and reproductive health as well as helping to break down the misogynistic taboos around women’s health.
What’s your go-to healthy snack?
I don’t really snack. I just have a slightly smaller variation of my bigger meals, for example a smaller salad with protein and lots of vegetables or a quick protein shake.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to?
Reading: Anything and everything from the School of Life and anything written by Alain de Botton. The book Essays in Love helped me survive a tough breakup and I feel forever indebted to this book. 
Shona IRL
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Sho-no-vertue
What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?
Maya Angelou
What superpower would you like to have?
Either Jessica Jones’ strength or John Coffey’s healing power from The Green Mile
What are you really great at (that might embarrass you to admit)?
Playing video games and reverse parking 
To learn more about which yoga mats Shona recommends, her Green Boss smoothie recipe, and relaxing hip stretches, be sure to check out her blog and visit her Instagram. Namaste.
