NICKY STYRIS
GYM
Last year’s level 4 lockdown was a difficult time for many people, and for Newshub sports presenter
Nicky Styris, it brought her back to one of the lowest points in her life. As a normally active person, Nicky struggled after giving birth to her daughters Hannah, now 27, and Emison, 14. Stuck at home with a newborn while her body recovered, she realised how important physical activity was to her mental health.
“Anyone who has had children knows that it is a stressful time in your life and I found that once I could start moving and being active again that I really noticed the mental changes. I had a lot more energy, I was a lot more relaxed and I was just a nicer person to myself and other people.”
A former competitive trampolinist, Nicky credits her father, who started Round the Bays in 1973 and is a longtime member of the Auckland
Joggers Club, for showing her from a young age the benefits of being active.
“I’ve been lucky because it was introduced to me at a young age, and I’ve managed to see the benefits and know that it’s something that I should continue.”
The 53-year-old enjoys everything from running to football and touch rugby, but for the past 25 years, her constant has been the gym. The variety of things she can do there keeps her workouts fresh.
“It’s a really good way to have a healthy routine, but also to see your friends at the
same time.”
Nicky says it’s obvious to her family, especially husband Scott, 45, when she hasn’t gotten in her “me time”.
“If my husband thinks I’m grumpy, he says, ‘Go and do some exercise – get back to the Nicky that we know.’
“It enables me to relax and enables me to destress – it’s Nicky’s downtime!”
I start my day with... A jog or gym session.
My favourite workout song is... Thunderstruck by AC/DC.
I am motivated by... The physical and mental benefits. After exercise I feel alive and happy.
My favourite workout clothes are... Lululemon shorts and singlet.
The thing I most love about my body is... It’s strength.