Aussie rules footballer Moana Hope’s health and fitness routine as a mum

While no longer a full-time athlete, Aussie rules footballer Moana Hope still values the importance of keeping a healthy routine for one of the toughest endurance sports there is: being a mum.

Moana Hope is used to gruelling routines thanks to her former life as a professional Australian rules footballer who played for both Collingwood and North Melbourne.

But nothing could prepare her for life after the birth of her now one-year-old baby girl.

“I’m in the 6am club with Svea,” Hope laughs.

“When she wakes, I wake, while Mumma Bell (wife Isabella Carlstrom) gets a sleep in. We tend to go straight to the kitchen so I can make a coffee and then I go on a 5km walk with Svea and my dog, Obi.”

While no longer a full-time athlete, Hope still values the importance of keeping a healthy routine and a balanced diet to keep her in tip-top condition for one of the toughest endurance sports there is: being a mum.

Moana Hope when she was a professional Ausie rules footballer. Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty

Moana Hope still maintains a good fitness routine as she tackles the challenge of being a mum. Picture: Sam Tabone

“I have recently learned your stomach is the centre of your everything so I eat well, with lots of colourful veggies and salads,” Hope, a dedicated vegetarian, says.

“Hydration is another really important part of my self-care routine. To rehydrate after my morning workout, I have a cup of Hydralyte Hot Hydration before starting the day.

“Caring for my body is so important because I’m the best parent when I am happy and healthy.

“I make sure I am there to support Bell as much as I can —the two of us are a team, and that is a huge help to both of us, through the highs and the lows. As much as I make time for Bell and for Svea, I still need to take care of myself physically and mentally.”

And like so many of us, that’s her focus for 2022, with Hope aiming to be in ever better shape than she is now.

And she has good reason, too, with plans to add another member to her growing family, locking-in those early morning starts for a few more years yet.

“My first goal is to get stronger, so I will be hitting the gym and working on my fitness and training. My second goal is to hopefully get pregnant. We are in the process of trying to get me pregnant through IVF.”

Moana Hope on...

Mindfulness

Moana Hope wants to get fitter and stronger in 2022. Picture: Supplied

“I try to practice meditation every day. Meditation

and running are the two biggest things I

do to look after my mind. For me, both activities are so soothing and relaxing. I also love

the after-feel of a good workout.”

Exercise

“I think you can take something from any training session you so. Exercise has been a

saviour in some of my darkest times so it’s absolutely a great way to improve your mental

state.”

Sleep

“A good sleep routine is important. Bell and I go to bed pretty early, normally it’s lights out

by 9pm. We need our sleep. It makes a huge difference.”

Five foods she could never live without

“Mashed potato, popcorn, olives, fries, and fruit.”

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