I first met Deborah over a sports vest on Twitter! She was launching ZAAZEE her women’s sports wear brand. ZAAZEE caught my eye because they were a new business in Manchester and I try to ‘shop local’ whenever I can. I was so impressed by the quality that I went on to buy two sports bras. I finally met Deborah in person, over a coffee in town and immediately loved this warm, quirky woman who has an overwhelming passion for meeting new women and making them feel good about themselves. I was curious to find out about the woman behind this growing, quality brand and discover whether she had always been interested in exercise.
Tell us a bit about yourself Deborah …
I’m Deborah Todd, a sporty mum of two. I love to travel. I live in Manchester and I really enjoy making awesome, award winning sportswear for ZAAZEE.
When did you decide to start exercising regularly and why was that?
I’ve been doing sport since I was born. My parents were super sporty and as kids we had to go to football, my dad was a referee, my mum played hockey and so my brother and I were always there. When I was four I began to get involved in sports, I started with swimming and I loved horses, so I had horse-riding lessons and I guess now it’s just part of my DNA. I love fitness and always have. I watched my mum in exercise classes and now my kids watch me. I’m an active person and if I get cooped up, I have to do something ,whether that’s a class, pilates, some boxing, or a run. I can’t sit still and now I have kids, I’m doing the same, taking them to their sports and them coming to mine. Fitness is fun. It makes me happy. I’m addicted I want to try it all!
What activities have you tried and what’s your favourite?
Let’s rephrase that. What haven’t I tried? Ski diving? Bungee jumping. I’m a natural swimmer and love scuba diving. I also love horse riding and skiing but I get to do them all much less these days. If I’m lucky I get to a body combat class once a week, a 5k run and bootcamp which I’ve just started doing. It’s called Operation Fit and is a free bootcamp in the city centre where I live, it’s helped encouraged fitness and community spirit amongst neighbours; it’s awesome!
What has been the biggest barrier you’ve had to overcome in your fitness journey?
Making time, when it’s nearly impossible, with working and having kids and not having childcare; it’s a huge barrier. Making that effort after having a baby is hard work but it’s well worth it. After exercise not only do I feel 1000% better, but I have more time for my kids and more energy too.
Have you had any negative comments and how have you dealt with them?
No I honestly haven’t.
What goals have you set and have you reached any of them yet?
My goals are always to make sure I make the effort. Working on my business it’s hard to spend time in a gym and not be the one working out, but I love seeing other people enjoy the kit! I know to feel good I must make time.
What benefits has being active brought you?
Happiness. Increased energy. A better sex life. New friends. More friends and the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.
What advice would you give to other women who want to start exercising?
Just do it, don’t wait for someone else to join you. You might miss out on meeting a new friend, a coach, or a great opportunity.
Photo credit for feature image – Joel Goodman
