With abs of steel, biceps to rival Madonna’s and a dynamite derriere, Eva has worked hard to earn the title of the UAE’s fittest female. The 34-year-old workout fanatic is now on the verge of breaking a push-up world record. After moving to the UAE from Australia in 2012, Eva came first in the 72km Wadi Bih Run in Oman and second in the 100km race in Nepal. The military fitness instructor, who lives with her husband Scott and their three children in Abu Dhabi, is the brains behind H.U.A Fitness. Here, Eva talks frankly about her tough upbringing and how she motivated herself to channel her painful past into achieving her dreams…
You bagged first place in the competition to ‘find the fittest female in the UAE’ – how did that feel?
I really enjoyed the feeling of winning and my performance on that night showed how effective my training regime is. I have since bottled that success formula and try to draw upon it whenever I compete.
What can someone expect from one of your boot camp sessions?
You can expect to give it your all. H.U.A (pronounced hoo-ah) is an old American military term used to acknowledge that information has been heard, understood and acknowledged. I adopted the name because my style of training reflects my military background. During my own physical training in the Army, I pushed myself beyond my limits and so I have extensive experience in getting people motivated to work out. I believe variety is important so people don’t get bored.
You spent nine years in the Army and four years in the Air Force – how did that shape who you are today?
The military left its mark on me and to this day I conduct myself with the same sense of commitment and dedication. The Army was such a shock to my system as I’d never had any order or discipline in my life, so I endured the biggest ass kicking ever. I initially drove trucks when I enlisted but it was the daily bouts of physical training that I truly loved. Whenever it felt like I was being tortured, it was still easier than what I endured growing up with my family.
Can you tell us more about your upbringing?
My mum had schizophrenia and her mental illness was tough to deal with as a child. When I was eight, Mum took us on holiday, and around midnight my siblings and I were walking the streets trying to find a warm place to sleep near garbage bins. The police had to come and rescue us. That’s when I realized my mum was sick and when I was 12, community services removed us from her care. During my teens my mother took herself off her medication and her hallucinations became worse. I was so embarrassed going to school because kids were so cruel. They would taunt me when my mum would sit on the playing fields in her pyjamas telling me the world was ending. It was a devastating time.
Were you not tempted to go down a self-destructive path?
I went through a very dark and scarring period in my life from 2000 until 2004, before I met my husband. Meanwhile my youngest sister became addicted to drugs and lost her two kids to community services and my eldest sister struggled too. Thankfully, I managed to get my act together when I got married and I learnt to channel all my hurt and pain into fitness and raising my own family. To truly overcome any challenge you have to take complete ownership of your life and be responsible for who you want to be. I can’t blame my mother for how my life was when I was younger. I can’t be angry with anyone anymore, I can’t be embarrassed by my past and I can’t be judged by anyone who has not walked a mile in my shoes.
You’re about to take part in a 24-hour knuckle push-up challenge to break the world record and raise money for charity…
I’m trying to break a world record and also raise funds for Maria Cristina Foundation (a charity dedicated to giving opportunities to slum children from Dhaka). I want my 24-hour record to be in honour of young women and men who have beaten the struggle of poverty. When I discovered Maria’s passion and love in helping others who are less fortunate, it inspired me to want to give back. I too struggled growing up and if it wasn’t for the help of people who cared and my teachers, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. With MCF changing one live can impact many.
Where does your drive to succeed and break records come from?
My desire to succeed is like my desire to breathe. I am responsible for my path in life – I can either coast through life or I can make it a challenging one with personal feats of accomplishment. I am not the best athlete in the world but I have this desire to compete against myself. Achieving your own personal goals is the most satisfying emotion there is.
What are your passions besides fitness?
Family is really important to me and I really enjoy spending time with my kids and husband. Education and health are my priority for my children. I really enjoy travelling – showing my children the world taking them to places like Nepal so they can appreciate their lives and develop a humble attitude.
What are your goals for 2014?
This year I am hoping to set two world records. I’m also hoping to qualify for the cross fit opens. I’m training for ultra marathons so I can chase my goal of competing in the Mt Blanc 167km run. I’m a full-time strength and conditioning coach too, and I am most passionate about inspiring and motivating others to be the best they can be. Even if you are dealt a lousy hand, you can still play and win the game. I was born with a rusty spoon in my mouth yet managed to polish it into a bronze one by living a healthy, fulfilling life. Finally, I feel free.
The Guinness World Record 24 hour Knuckle Pushup and Fitness event is on January 31st at Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi. Click here to donate and raise money for Maria Cristina Foundation.
