Zanna Van Dijk
Hey, I'm Zanna!
So who the devil am I? I'm a London based 24 year old blogger, vlogger and social media fanatic. I also work as a personal trainer at UN1T gym in Fulham. I am an adidas global ambassador. I recently published my first book Strong, which is all about empowering women to become stronger both mentally and physically. I love the diverse nature of my job and have my fingers in many pies! Find out more about me here.
In terms of my fitness journey... I haven't had a huge spectacular or inspiring transformation. At school I avoided exercise like the plague and this continued into university. I ended up "skinny fat" aka slim but in poor shape with no muscle tone. I decided to make positive changes and try to improve my health. Over the course of my final two years at university I went through the process of learning about health and fitness, which I documented on my instagram account. There was lots of trials and errors, slip ups and mistakes. I started out being a "cardio bunny" and eating minimal food, thinking this was healthy. I ended up super slim but untoned, and I didn't enjoy my workouts. Thankfully, I found weight training which fast became my favourite form of exercise. I loved the way it made me feel - strong, powerful and in control of my body. I ate more and learned about nourishing and fueling my body; and by the time I finished university I was 7kg heavier than when I started, but in the best shape of my life. I went from being skinny to strong. I came out of university fitter, stronger and happier; having found a new passion. A passion which I ended up making my career.
One of my biggest passions in life is spreading a positive message, bringing women together and empowering them to believe in themselves and achieve great things. This was what #girlgains movement allows me to do. I get to spend my time with my two best friends, inspiring, educating and motivating women to be the best versions of themselves. Our events blow me away; the incredible energy the girls bring, the friendships they make and how inspired they feel afterwards. Enabling this to happen is the most rewarding experience in the world and I wouldn't trade it for a single thing.
Zanna xxx
Training Style?
Lifting weights, gymnastics, cardio classes. A bit of a mix really!
Favourite Exercise?
Pull-ups!
Favourite Food?
Galaxy cookie crumble chocolate... but if we're talking healthy then I love a good British strawberry.
Biggest Inspiration?
My two best friends, Tal & Vic. Who inspire me everyday to stay positive, work hard and believe in myself.
Favourite #GirlGains Moment (So Far)?
I have "pinch me" moments all the time! I think a highlight for me so far has been seeing girls form true friendships as a result of the community, make whatsapp groups to support one another and go out together outside of the official #girlgains events. That is what this whole movement is about, creating a community; so to see this happening is amazing.
