Cold baths in a river in a snowy winter landscape, sleeping in a hammock in the forest, bike rides through beautiful landscapes and yoga on a cliff with breathtaking views - when you look at Marija's Instagram, you immediately want to go on an adventure in nature. For Marija, training is about exactly that kind of adventure - it should be fun, provide an experience and, above all, give the time to listen to your own pulse.
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Marija Aurell, I am 41 years old, and I live in Motala, Sweden, with my three children. I actually work all around in Sweden with my company Våga Vara Puls as a Lifestyle Entrepreneur, Lecturer, Photographer and Adventurer. Våga Vara Puls (Swedish -translates to Dare to Be Pulse) stands for being yourself, listening inwardly to what your gut, heart and pulse say - and daring to follow it!
What role do sports and exercise play in your life?
It is an incredibly important part of my entire existence and something I need in my everyday life to feel good both physically and mentally.
What sports do you do?
I am very far from "traditional" training programs with gyms, intervals, etc.. For me exercise needs to feel fun and at the same time be an experience. I combine everything I enjoy and let it be my way of training. This includes long-distance cycling, SUP-paddling, hiking in mountain terrain with heavy packs and strength yoga outdoors.
How did you start this type of training?
I was in a relationship that made me feel very bad. Through cycling, I got out into nature and slowly started to hear myself - and my own pulse.
What do you like most about this type of training?
It gives me everything I need to feel good in life. Strength in my body that gives me the strength to continue with my lifestyle and my adventures.
What has been the biggest challenge for you in your training?
At first, it was mostly other people not understanding that I don't prioritize setting high average times, for example, on the bike. But the more I share my life journey and adventures through my social media and in my lectures, I have now seen many people gaining an understanding for my way of training.
What tips would you give to someone who is just starting out or wants to take their training to the next level?
Try not to compare yourself to others, remember that everyone has different reasons and motivators for their training and instead find your own why.
What are you looking forward to right now? Do you have any special goals, competitions or new forms of training you want to try?
I look forward to continuing to listen to the adventures that pop up in my head and to making it possible for me to carry them out. Both in terms of practicality and strength. I enjoy bike races as I make sure to have as much fun as I can during the time and to give extra energy to those who have lost their motivation along the way. When I have fun in my own company, it seems to rub off on others too :)
What would you like to say to a younger version of yourself if you could meet her?
"No one else can know better than you what suits you. You have the right to be yourself and if you meet people who want to change you, they are not the right people for you."
What makes you feel strong - like a Power Woman?
When I ignore other people's opinions of me and run fully on my own pulse. That's when I feel the happiest and strongest in the world!
What is your favorite piece of clothing from Power Woman?
Your yoga leggings in bright colors and animal prints. Like your blue, tiger-striped ones! They give me so much strength.
You can follow Marija on Instagram here and watch the news report video here where Marija talks about SUP paddling & how her views on training & exercise.
