tone for the rest of the day. I finish the workout feeling strong, energetic and proud that I started the day with something positive. I obviously love dancing, but I’ve been really enjoying pilates recently too. Following that, I’ll eat breakfast, have some coffee, check my diary to make sure I don’t miss any commitments, then let the day begin. What keeps you motivated? I find motivation within myself. I’m constantly looking to improve and become better than I was yesterday. I think that this attitude is part of being a professional dancer, you have to want to keep pushing to be better. I’m driven to grow and evolve as a person too. I love learning and experiencing new things. I think it’s important to broaden your knowledge and change as you gain experience, which is why I try to always say “yes” to new opportunities, even if they seem scary or risky at the time. I also find motivation in the people around me. Whether it’s family, friends, or people I work with. I’m constantly inspired by them and their achievements. What are your top tips for a couple looking to get in shape for their wedding, and how can they maintain it once it’s back to reality with a bump? It’s a common goal for couples to get into shape for their big day. It might be obvious, but my advice would be to focus on both nutrition and daily movement. Eating a balanced diet that includes wholefoods and avoiding highly processed, sugary foods can make a huge difference to how you feel. It’s also very important to keep hydrated and get enough sleep. I believe to look good you must feel good. In terms of movement, finding an exercise routine that works for both partners can be helpful. You could schedule some joint sessions and some separately. For example, if you’re learning some fresh moves for your first dance you could take a dance class together (and learning that will get you into shape let me tell you!). Then, perhaps a running session apart, if that makes sense for your schedule. It’s also nice to have some ‘me’ time. For maintaining after the wedding, I think it’s important to remember how good the new routine made you feel. But most of all, remember to love your body whatever shape you are. Beauty comes from the confidence within, so make sure if you’re looking to get into shape, you’re doing it to be stronger and healthier. Getting in shape is not always easy, but it can be a rewarding experience. If you could tell people about one simple, initial change we could all make to our lives to start us out on the path to a healthier lifestyle, body and mind, what would it be? Personally, I’ve found our minds and bodies are completely interconnected, and if you love yourself, you’ll fuel your body and mind with good nutrition, movement and affirmations. So, I think making a commitment to self-care and self-love is the initial step needed to make positive lifestyle changes. Then to look after your physical self, perhaps start with smaller changes that are achievable. If you’re early in your journey, you could start to get to know your body better by doing 10 minutes of stretching every morning, or if you’re slightly further along, start a new fitness class. Whatever changes you choose to make, the key is to stay committed and consistent. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. You’re an incredibly busy lady, how do you maintain a healthy mind amidst the pressures of a hectic schedule? Maintaining a healthy mindset throughout a hectic schedule is just something that comes with experience, it’s definitely become easier over time! I’ve learned what I need to prioritise in order to make sure I can remain consistent. This means exercising in the morning, spending time meditating, and keeping an organised diary. Now I’m able to just get things done without thinking about it, but that’s only because I’ve managed to put in the time and hard work to figure it all out. Be patient with yourself and stay committed, and you’ll get there, wherever it is you want to go. Is there anything you can suggest to calm the stress levels during wedding planning? Try to remember that it’s a blessing to have met the love of your life, that both committing to each other for a lifetime is a beautiful thing and the rest is just details. I’m a very organised person and I love to plan things, but I can imagine that planning something as big as a wedding would be super stressful. If you’re lucky enough to have friends or family members who want to support you with the planning, maybe take them up on it! Or if you can afford it, seek support from a professional wedding planner. It’s also important to remember that your wedding day is about you and your partner, and not about pleasing everyone else. I’ve heard a lot of my friends who’ve got married say that it’s impossible to please everyone. So, I suppose you can remove some of that stress by prioritising what you want and what makes you both happy, whether that means having a big wedding or eloping. Don’t feel pressured to conform to society’s expectations or what others want from or for you. What’s next for you? My goal is to continue growing, continuing to improve my craft, and grab on to any opportunities that inspire and challenge me! I love life so I’m just going to keep on living and hopefully I’ll have many more wonderful opportunities to inspire others. You can follow Luba on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lubamushtuk, and catch her on Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1 this autumn. All images courtesy of www.instagram.com/lubamushtuk WELLBEING INTERVIEW 81
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