The Under Armour Turf Games community is a collection of people from all corners of the globe and all backgrounds. What also makes the community so amazing is the range of athletes - from those who are new to their functional fitness journey, right through to those who make a living out of fitness and full time athletes.
We sat down with Angelique Russell - full time mum, full time at a global accounting firm - now a huge part of the Turf Games community. Ang discovered Turf Games in lockdown 1.0 in April 2020 and hasn't looked back since - even competing in our UK Winter 2020 Pairs COMBINE in October - her first functional fitness comp.
Let's find out more about her ...
WHO IS ANGIE RUSSELL?
I was born and raised in South Africa and lived for most of my life in Cape Town. I Moved to the UK around 16 years ago, in my 20's and knew only 1 person. Being on my own meant I was forced to grow up very quickly. Moving away from friends and family at such a young age, on my own, I believe has moulded me into someone who is fiercely independent, ambitious, resilient, disciplined, determined, confident and not afraid to take chances.
I'm a 43 year old Fitness fanatic who despite feeling 23 (on a good day) feels closer to 63 with the time it takes to recover after a workout
Married for 11 years to a Northerner and have a gorgeous son who is 9 going on 19.
WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I work for one of the Big 4 Accountancy firms in the City where I'm employed as an Executive Assistant. I support a portfolio of 4, each with very unique personalities.
DID YOU PLAY MUCH SPORT GROWING UP?
I played hockey, tennis and took swimming in Primary School. Unfortunately all of these stopped when we moved from Cape Town to a new area and a new school which wasn’t able to offer any of these.
In High School I wasn’t your typical sporty child and rebelled against my parents at every opportunity. I have 3 sisters who were all incredible at Athletics, where I wasn’t. I was completely preoccupied with boys!. Surprisingly enough I am now obsessed with Health and Fitness and would like to think I could now out sprint everyone in my family.
WHAT DOES FUNCTIONAL FITNESS MEAN TO YOU?
As a mum to a very active son I do everything I can to ensure that I maintain a certain level of fitness. I become restless if I have to sit idle on the side-line. Maintaining my fitness levels not only benefits me physically but mentally as well. I’m the kind of mum who’s on the start line at the school parents race, hanging like a lunatic on the rings at play parks, tackling inflatables and enjoying every opportunity that I can to participate in running races, football, rugby, obstacle courses, shoulder back and piggy back rides with my son. There’s the odd occasion where I’m still being asked for a shoulder ride, this is where the importance of Functional Fitness comes in as it allows me to work on strengthening my entire body to cope with whatever life throws at me.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER THE TURF GAMES?
I’d always heard about Turf Games and in particular the Corporate Games however as most can relate to, I didn’t think I was “ready” so had never signed up to anything.
Shortly after the first lockdown back in March an Insta post advertised Turf Games Home Games. My curious and competitive nature meant I booked on this without hesitation. Home Games 2.0, Preseason 1, 2 & 3, putting a team together for Turf Games Summer Festival and entering my Fitness competition then followed. I was hooked – the rest as they say is History
WHAT MAKES TURF GAMES DIFFERENT TO OTHER FITNESS COMMUNITIES OUT THERE?
Everything from the Inclusiveness, the friendly community, the amazing TG Team, incredible content and the ability to bring people together like no other fitness community I have ever known. Not forgetting all the amazing competitions!
WHERE DO YOU NORMALLY TRAIN?
Prior to lockdown I held a membership at a local City Gym and would train up to 3 or 4 times a week. Since March I’ve built on the Home Gym set up and take my training outdoors as often as possible. I’ve since beat a hasty retreat indoors (not being a huge fan of the cold) where I get to enjoy my recently purchased Assault Bike and Power Tower.
HOW DO YOU JUGGLE FAMILY LIFE, WORK AND FIT IN TRAINING?
A few months back juggling the 3 was very challenging. Apart from holding down a full time job, home schooling was thrown into the mix. We somehow managed to juggle them well and training was achieved daily. I’ve never struggled with motivation but needed to become very disciplined in setting aside time for myself when frustrations took over. Exercising is the only way that I can release stress and any anxiety I’m feeling. My family as well as my portfolio appreciate and support this so usually know as soon as the air pods are in it’s “DO NOT DISTURB” mode.
FITNESS GOAL FOR 2021?
Compete in more Fitness Competitions!!! I already have 4 awesome people lined up to compete in any solo comps with me and an amazing Team ready to compete at the re-scheduled Summer Fest.
Discovering whether I am capable of a BMU and if not, working on achieving this.
I’d like to take my level 4 S&C course.
WHAT IS YOUR GO TO MOVEMENT?
I’d have to say the Devils Press, being a combination of a Burpee and a snatch – two movements I love. The Thruster is a very close second purely for its effectiveness!
GO TO PRE/POST WORKOUT SNACK?
I’ll usually have Porridge with chia seeds, blueberries and a dash of honey for breakfast. Pre workout is usually a banana or protein shake. Post workout aside from Pasta with grilled chicken or a granary roll filled with Turkey and salad I’ll snack on dried apricots, blueberries and dates.
I also can’t walk past chocolate without eating it.
ONE PLACE YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE TURF GAMES IN THE FUTURE?
South Africa (Ang isn't the first to say this - think we may need to get one going in Cape Town :)
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING PART OF THE TURF GAMES COMMUNITY IN 2020?
Aside from achieving insane results in just 6 months and not having to plan any of my own workouts, it would have to be the amazing people I have met.
PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS HESITANT TO SIGN UP FOR A TURF GAMES COMP OR ONLINE PROGRAMME?
One of my favourite quotes is: F.E.A.R has two meanings
Forget everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise – The choice is yours.
Turf Games online programmes and Competitions cater for everyone from Beginner to Advanced. Whatever your current fitness level, we’re all on the same journey.
Set achievable mini goals and surround yourself with a likeminded, supportive community that will encourage you to be the best version of yourself.
“Inhale confidence. Exhale doubt”
QUICK FIRE
- 200cal assault bike or 5km run? Most will question my sanity here. Without a doubt 200cal assault bike.
- If you were on a 24 hour flight to Australia stuck in the middle seat, who would you want either side of you? Henry Cavill and Tia-Clair Toomey. Worlds Sexiest man & Worlds Fittest Woman either side of me – The perfect combo.
- Drink of choice? G&T
- What super hero would you be? I’ve been told I resemble Malin Akerman aka Silk Spectre in Watchman – she looks pretty badass 🤷♀️
- What is your favourite piece of fitness equipment? Assault bike for Conditioning. Barbell for Strength
We can't wait to have Angie back on the Turf in 2021.