I find myself missing my mom a lot on my travels. This week I’ve been thinking about my mom and her prayers. I can still hear her voice, urging me: “Take care of your body, but nourish your spirit too.” She always emphasised the importance of both physical and spiritual health, a lesson I carry with me throughout my life.

This week we feature Chernell Gibbons. I truly feel she has really fully represented the determination and pushing herself through all obstacles, through thick and thin!

Regardless of what is happening Chernell shows up for class, and brings a smile or encouraging word to others.

When did you start exercising and why?

Chernell: I started exercising on a consistent basis in 2021. I started with walking home in the evenings for about a year, and eventually wanted to do something different. I stumbled upon a fitness class that worked within my schedule, which I started in 2022 and have continued to date.

I started exercising because I needed to get my health back on track ― as I did not want to be on medication for a lifetime.

What's was your biggest challenge in balancing motherhood with your passion for travel, healthy eating, and exercise, and how do you overcome it?

Chernell: Balance is the operative word, and I am still trying to completely find that. It can be a struggle to balance all of these things. I found some form of balance by planning family trips and at least one non-family trip.

I’ve found an exercise regime that did not impede upon family time, i.e. early in the morning while the children are still in bed. I cook for the entire week on a Sunday, so that I do not have to cook during the week.

However, the struggles of motherhood can throw your passion for healthy eating and exercise out of whack, but it is important to maintain at least one of the two in order to not totally get off track.

How do you incorporate healthy eating and exercise into your family's daily routine, especially while travelling?

Chernell: When I/we travel, I normally take my exercise clothes with me and get up before everyone else and hit the hotel gym or do a youtube video. I don't really make my children exercise unless they want, and sometimes they will join in.

Depending on where we travel I will try and have a place where we can cook meals, or buy proper meals from places that can be stretched. When dining, try to switch out starch for extra veggies and limit the intake of sodas and juices.

What are your top tips for other moms who want to prioritise their health and wellbeing while raising children?

Chernell: Find things that work within your schedule. I am not particularly a morning person, however due to my work schedule morning workout classes work best for me. Therefore I go to a class that allows me to get back home in time to shower and get my child to school. This also requires preparing at night.

Also, ensure that you have time to do things with your significant other or friends. Schedule lunch dates, dinner dates, fun excursions, trips, etc every so often.

Can you share a memorable travel experience where you successfully maintained your healthy lifestyle, and what made it work?

Chernell: I went to Las Vegas with some friends and each morning I woke up and hit the gym while everyone else was asleep. My body was used to getting up at a certain time to go to my exercise class, therefore instead of staying in bed I capitalised on the fact that I was awake and hit the gym. They all thought that I was insane, but I felt extremely good about maintaining my exercise routine.

I also made good food choices through requesting extra veggies or salad and cutting back on the starch.

How did becoming a mother change your approach to health and fitness?

Chernell: It didn't really. Maybe for the beginning stages while on maternity leave as I had extra time on my hands, but once I had to go back to work it all went out of the door.

What are one of your go-to quick and healthy meal or exercise ideas that work well for busy moms and travel?

Chernell: I do not have a quick meal, maybe the famous spaghetti and meat sauce (ground beef, chicken or turkey ― whatever your preference) with at least two veggies. However, a good youtube exercise video is always a good way to get some in during travel. A walk fit video, the good old trusty taebo, travel with some resistance bands or a jump rope.

I found doing exercises learnt during my fitness class has helped as well, such as:wall sits, lunges, planks, etc using a stopwatch. But it is best to plan ahead to incorporate these things otherwise it will not happen.

What role does your family play in supporting your healthy lifestyle goals?

Chernell: The support my family provides is through encouraging me the best they know how. I believe that they contribute to my wanting to have better healthy lifestyle goals.

The reality is that I that although others can encourage you along the way, which is most helpful, ultimately all choices are yours and you really have to rely on yourself and be your biggest supporter.

Keep pushing and B-Active For Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B. ActiveForLife on Facebook