Laura Geitz: ‘It was a bit of a shock’

Former Firebirds champ Laura Geitz says when she retired she lost the structure and routine that comes with a career in professional sport. This is how she got the balance back.

WHEN Laura Geitz retired from professional netball, she said it was “a bit of a shock” losing structure and routine in her life.

The mother-of-two and former Firebirds champion says it’s important for her health and wellbeing to have a routine, even if it’s different to the one she had as a professional athlete.

“Structure and routine was a big part of my life when I played, and particularly in this time when we are all at home and life is a bit different, probably the biggest thing I’ve had to rely on is having that structure in my life,” Geitz said.

“I was so used to living this life where Monday was physio, Tuesday was something else and so on, and then all of a sudden when I retired that part of my life just stopped, and it abruptly stopped.

“When you do it for so long, it’s a bit of a shock to be honest, and you kind of find yourself treading water thinking what’s next, or what do I do.”

Laura Geitz with baby Frank and Barney, 2.

Geitz, who spoke to Confidential with her 10-month-old son Frank in the back seat on the way to pilates, says she has found a daily balance which makes her happy. She said her entire perspective of physical and mental health changed when becoming a mum.

“When I was playing it was my job to be the best version of myself physically and mentally, and I was doing everything I possibly can to perform the best, and I did that for a decade of my life,” she said.

“And then coming out being a professional athlete and stepping into the motherhood world, you see these little humans you care and love so much that all you want naturally is the best for them, and health and wellness is a huge part of that.

“It’s about finding ways that don’t put extra stress on you, but also give your little ones the best start to life that you possibly can.”

Geitz will today be named as Chemist Warehouse’s Healthy Break Ambassador.