Meet Team Milo: Ana Sofia
From growing up around the world to launching a career in interior design and ending up in the fitness industry, we catch up with Milo and the Bull trainer, Ana-Sofia Taylor Martin, to learn more about her journey over the years, her favourite Milo class, and what she hopes to see at Milo one day!
What made you pursue a career in the fitness industry? Sofia: I grew up as an expatriate and have lived all over the world, and in some places didn’t speak the local language, but one thing that was common ground was sport. My parents always encouraged us as kids to stay active, and we played various sports growing up. I lived in Holland for my adolescent years and picked up their national sport, hockey, where I played for a club called HGC. They take the sport very seriously over there and I think the Dutch mentality stuck with me during with my training.
After moving back to the UK, my focus moved from playing sports to general health and fitness training to help with my anxiety. I discovered Cross Fit which required discipline and pushed me to my physical and mental limits. Call me crazy, but I was hooked!
I eventually moved to London where I worked in the interior design industry for about six years, while still focusing on getting my training in. I was determined to get my workouts and gym time in as it really helped me reset my head at the end of a long day.
Long story short, after years of telling people it was my dream to work in the fitness industry, I made my dream a reality and left my 9 – 5 job. The rest is history…but it was the best decision I’ve ever made!.
We love the story! Once you made the move, what qualifications did you need to get?
Sofia: I qualified as a Level 3 Personal Trainer and I’m now completing my Level 4. And to top it off, I was also a Games Captain when I was in prep school, which might be my proudest qualification to date… (I was 12).
I’m sure your Games Captain qualification helps you in some of our team-based classes! What made you join Milo and the Bull?
Sofia: I walked past Milo when it was just a building site, and curiosity got the better of me. I got in touch with George and Richie and after having a few chats with them about their vision for Milo, and I knew I wanted to get involved.
If you had to choose one, what’s your favourite Milo class? Sofia: Circuits KILLS me every time. I love the variety of functional training each class delivers and how we really make use of all the toys the gym has to offer.
Besides the classes, what do you love about Milo?
Sofia: The genuine community we have created. I’m lucky to call lots of the members my friends now! Milo has become such a great little social melting pot, and sometimes it’s worth arriving that little bit earlier to have a chat with everyone before the class. It’s become so much more than just a place to work out which is so rare in London.
If you're not coaching a Milo class, where would we find you? Sofia: Probably napping… don’t be fooled by this sporty image! My nickname amongst some of my friends is Sloth - I love a good nap and can sleep anywhere/anytime. It’s a skill.
And besides a well-deserved nap or coaching, what are your hobbies outside of fitness/training?
Sofia: I still adore interior design and I love to collect little trinkets and fabrics for my flat – there’s nothing better than getting lost in an antique market!
If you had to name one item on your bucket list what would it be?
Sofia: Visit Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego in Argentina! I’m half Argentinean, so it’s a dream of mine to go and explore some more.
Anything else you'd like to share with the Milo crew before we sign off? Sofia: I’m a huge advocate for mental health and fitness. I’ve had a lot of anxiety in the past, and it’s truly what helps me reset my mind and get back in the game, so to speak. So my advice would be if you have anxiety or ill mental health, try picking up a sport or join us at Milo for a class – it can do wonders. Oh, and last but not least, I’m pushing for a Bagel Bar at the studio…just saying!