Following the drop of our latest activewear, we took some time out to catch up with Adrienne Herbert – otherwise known as Adrienne LDN – the digital entrepreneur, wellbeing coach, author and podcast host focused on health, fitness, technology and innovation. From the idea behind her ‘power hour’ initiative to what you can learn about yourself from moving and being active; we discussed a host of topics delving into the wellness space.

Can you tell us a bit about your podcast?
Yes, absolutely. The Power Hour podcast, which is the absolute highlight of my week, started four years ago. I was listening to podcasts at the time and then, people didn’t really know about podcasts in the same way or where to listen to them. They weren’t as mainstream. I was thinking, I’d love to be involved in these conversations. I’d love to be able to speak to some of the fascinating and interesting people that I get to work with, but actually share the conversations that we have and the insights with an audience. I pitched to a producer to do ten episodes with different people from different industries. Now, here we are, and I think we’ve done nearly 250 episodes.

Amazing. And when did you sort of first become interested in wellness and fitness? Or has it always been something that’s been a big part of your life?
I’ve always been active. Growing up I was definitely that sporty kid. I was in the netball team and I did professional dance. I went on to perform on stage in the West End, which a lot of people don’t know about. I’d never thought of it as fitness or well being though, I suppose. That definitely came later on. After the West End and having my son, I got into running. I started with zero idea and didn’t have the right kit, I just wanted to start something that would fit around my own schedule. When you’re a new parent, your baby is always there. It was a way for me to get 20 minutes of solitude at the start. Then it started to extend and I was wondering if I could do 30 minutes, and then a 10k race, and so on. It opened up this whole new world, life and community. It’s never been about how far or fast I can go. I am never the fastest or most impressive. It just opened up my life and I began to travel more to cities and places I’d never visited.

What advice would you give to those making their first efforts to try more activities and engage with fitness this year?
My one piece of advice would be to surround yourself with like minded people, because we’re influenced by those people around us and those we spend time with. So whether that’s your initial closed group, or even just books you read, podcasts you listen to, people you follow online; surround yourself with people that are doing things that you want to do.

And any advice on how they can stay motivated to achieve their goals?
I don’t want to just say generic things that we’ve all heard before. I think when it comes to staying motivated, although I think people might not always want to hear it, it’s about accepting that motivation just comes and goes. Sometimes you’re going to have it, sometimes you’re not. That’s reality. I don’t think it’s humanly possible to be motivated 100% of the time. So I’d say, when you do feel motivated, use the motivation and don’t waste it. And when you’re not feeling motivated, fall back on your self discipline, routine and habits and try other tools. Also if you’re a woman, track and get to know your cycle because it affects sleep, appetite and a whole host of things.