Q&A with blogger Lottie Murphy

Lottie Murphy is taking the pilates and blogging worlds by storm. We catch up with the 23  year old blogger about where she finds her inspiration, her love for pilates and what 2015 has in store, plus she spills the beans on what she’s most looking forward to at this year’s Be:Fit London.

When did you get into blogging? What else do you do with your time?

I started the blog (lottiemurphy.com) in November in 2013, it's about a year and three months old now. I was on and off posting videos back then, but now the videos have become a regular thing, I try to do one every Sunday so in total I have about 2-3 posts a week. As well as the blog, I teach Pilates and I'm studying to be a health coach as well. It would be hard for me to post everyday, the quality of the post would definitely suffer – readers understand that we're all busy.

Why did you decide to start a blog?

It was an organic thing – I was a dancer and then trained to be a Pilates instructor and I've always been really interested in nutrition and health – I was the go-to-girl for all my friends for health and fitness tips. At first the blog was just a little hobby, but it just grew organically – I'm really grateful for the support from everyone.

Where do you find inspiration for your blog and your posts?

I set up because I was really inspired by reading other blogs – when you start out it's just your mum reading it and you always have these big dreams. I always make sure I do it because I love it and I'm inspiring people. I don't blog because I want to make loads of money – you need to keep it authentic and stay true to yourself.

How do you plan your blog, do you have a strike schedule or do you just act on the spur of the moment?

A bit of both – ideas will pop into my head when I read other posts and that's how I sometimes get inspiration. I have a notebook and I write down any ideas. At the moment I have two pages of posts that I could have coming up but I'm never weeks ahead. I like to react to what everyone's talking about on Twitter and on their own blogs. It's nice to mix it up sometimes though – in January I reacted to the whole January detox trend by doing a post why I wouldn't be detoxing. It's a mixture of being inspire and planning.

What’s your top tip for people wanting to start blogging about their fitness experiences?

Don't think too much. Go for it and don't compare yourself to other people – don’t worry what others will think. Even if you keep your blog private to start off with until you build up a bit of confidence in your content and your writing and decide later that you want to share it. People judging is what stops a lot people from promoting their blog – but everyone in the industry is so kind, supportive and wants to help each other out.

Where’s your favourite place to work out? And who with?

I do most of my training by myself – if I'm not doing pilates I use the NTC (Nike Training Club) app for different lengths of workout, it gets your heart rate up and helps me fit a workout between classes. I love doing yoga by myself once a week for my mind and body. Because I teach pilates I'm constantly in work mode – when I do yoga I can completely switch off. I guess I'm more of an indoor trainer, but I do love walking and getting fresh air, but I've never really been a runner or into cardio exercise.

What does your daily routine look like?

It's very different every single day. I get up, make breakfast – I'm that type of person who has to have it straight away! – and then I might have a class in the morning. I have breaks throughout the day when I might be blogging, studying, catching up on emails or meeting other bloggers or PR agents. I might have classes in the evening as well but afterwards I try not to sit on my laptop and to read a book or watch TV instead, but it doesn't always happen. I try to get my workout in mid-morning, when I'll try to get to a studio. Every single day is a bit crazy but I do try to have the weekend off.

What do you think will be this year’s biggest fitness trends?

Health-wise cutting back on sugar will continue to be huge. Fitness-wise I think this year people are beginning to understand it's about changing things up. I think people will be doing workouts from YouTube more as well, I think there'll be less gym memberships. With everyone living such busy lives, I think it's a great way to get a 10-15 minute workout in, plus it's free!

What does 2015 hold for you? What can we expect to see on your blog?

I've got some really exciting news for 2015. I'm going to be working with Deliciously Ella (deliciouslyella.com). I'll be doing pilates videos for her YouTube channel and her site – starting off with three 20 minute videos that will go up on her website to help her make it a bit more lifestyle than just food. I'm doing some master classes as well, I've got my first one in March and I hope I can continue those every month afterwards. I'm also setting up my own classes at the studio at the Light Centre in Moorgate on Tuesdays. I get asked a lot 'where can I come to your classes,' and this gives me a base.

What are you most looking forward to at this year's Be:Fit London?

I've never done a Sleek Technique class before so I really hope to get booked in with them to do their class on the Saturday – that'll be really fun. I'd really love have the massage and the VIP experience at the event too – I always love having a massage.

What did you enjoy most at last year’s event?

I did the Equinox Barre class and really enjoyed that. I just love going round and looking what new brands and products are out – I enjoy wondering and picking up the healthy samples, last year I left and I was stuffed!

Which brands will you be excited to see?

I’m really looking forward to seeing Optibac Probiotics. I've recently being using their extra strength probiotic, so it'll be nice to see them. I'm always looking forward to seeing fitness brand 2XU, it'll be exciting to see their new collection.