Skye High
Women's Health South Africa|August 2017

We’ve been waiting to bust out that pun since we got Emily Skye for our cover! The fitness superstar may look as if her world is all sunshine and kettlebells, but she also rocks tummy rolls and stretch marks and shows every bit of it to her 13-million social followers. Here, she opens up to WH about conquering self-doubt, gaining 13kg and why strength is so much more powerful than perfection

Leslie Goldman
Skye High

Emily Skye has to pee. Badly. “Thank god we’re here, I’m busting!” the 32-year-old fitness guru exclaims in her cheeky Aussie accent after an hour-long, iced-almond-milk-latte-fuelled drive. Yep, she’s as frank in person as on her wildly popular social media feeds, where she cops to zits, digestive drama and “dessert babies” – aka post-treat bloat.

That openness not only sets Emily apart from the gaggle of sculpted fitfluencers out there, but has boosted her to the apex of the fitness market. The figures tell the story: 13-million followers across Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube; a number-three spot on Forbes’ Top Influencers 2017: Fitness list and a paying audience of 250 000 for her online workout programme, F.I.T. On this sunny day, Emily is further plumping up her portfolio with back-toback meetings about potential collaborations – make-up, TV, workout shoes, all the expected stops on the fitspo-star express.

She is driving that train in a new direction though. “It’s so important for women to remember that the people who inspire them are human and shouldn’t be put up on pedestals,” she says. Emily is essentially creating a new version of fitspo that aspires to be fit but not obsessed, a place where she can be unabashedly proud of her cut-and-curved self one minute and vulnerable and pal-next-door the next – with a touch of armchair psychologist.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMEN'S HEALTH SOUTH AFRICAView all
Irreconcilable Differences?
Women's Health South Africa

Irreconcilable Differences?

You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Hot And Bothered
Women's Health South Africa

Hot And Bothered

Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2024
Self-esteem under the microscope
Women's Health South Africa

Self-esteem under the microscope

The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
the reset
Women's Health South Africa

the reset

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024
Mind Over Muscle
Women's Health South Africa

Mind Over Muscle

Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?

time-read
2 mins  |
July - August 2024
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Women's Health South Africa

ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE

Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
Women's Health South Africa

Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free

The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Women's Health South Africa

FUEL YOUR SKIN

Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
How To Be Decisive
Women's Health South Africa

How To Be Decisive

You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
Build A Strong Base
Women's Health South Africa

Build A Strong Base

You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024