This Is 52: Gritty Pretty’s Sue Hoffman On Staying Fit And Healthy

Not a day in the Gritty Pretty office goes by where we don’t ask Sue Hoffman a health or wellness question. Whether it’s what healthy meal we should make for dinner that night, how to balance exercise with an early shoot time or what time she got up that day for one of her famed walks around Maroubra Beach, Hoffman is our very own go-to fitness expert. So, when we wanted to launch this series profiling women at different life stages, we knew we wanted to start with her and ask her all about how she stays inspired to live her healthiest life. 

Prior to joining the Gritty Pretty team, Hoffman worked across brands like Marie Claire and Donna Hay and is expert in commercial content. As she describes, fitness has always been part of her life, but since turning 50 she realised it truly is more important than ever before.

Here, Hoffman takes us on her journey. 

“While I did participate in sports when I was younger, it was only really when I hit my 20s that I started challenging myself from a fitness perspective—competing in triathlons and really upping my running. BK (before kids), exercising was a lot easier but when they came along I really had to make a concerted effort to fit it in. Even if it was just a walk—it was something for yourself and your body. I would always feel better afterwards.”

“Fitness has always been a part of my life and now that I’m into my fifth decade I’ve come to realise that it’s more important than ever. I think sometimes I take for granted how fitness has helped shape so many facets of my life—my attitude to life being a key one. I think if you feel strong within your body this translates to more resilience mentally and being prepared to handle situations when they come your way.”

“Granted that I am now having to look at more gentle sports (as I have had a few niggles from running), I have increased my swimming over the past couple of years and love ocean swimming as a new way to challenge myself.  I also enjoy bike riding, pilates, yoga and of course walking. Have also given SUPing a go this summer—I loved that and will definitely try and make it more of a regular thing.”

“Exercising in the morning is definitely my preference—yes, sometimes it can be hard to get up, particularly in the middle of winter! But the reward of feeling alive, energised and watching the sunrise is just magical. It is definitely my favourite part of the day.”

“I find it’s a healthier alternative to catch up with friends, instead of always being over a drink. Many of life’s problems have been solved when out on a morning run or walk!”

Skincare product she can’t live without: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum 2.0, “I serum up morning and night”

Make-up product she uses everyday: Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, “My all time fave mascara hands-down”

Favourite self-care product: Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, “I have it next to my bed and use it every night”

Top wellness trick: Intermittent fasting, “I do this at least twice a week—it just realigns and gets me back on track.  I feel so much better after it”