She customizes kick-ass workouts on the Nike Training app, hosts high intensity training courses with Project By Equinox, and maintains an insanely popular Instagram account; but New Zealand-born Kirsty Godso didn’t find her footing right away. While pursuing a double major in finance and marketing, Godso quickly noticed her workout schedule taking precedence over her studies. The daughter of two professional golfers and a former water polo competitor herself, it made sense. She just had to find a way to turn fitness into a full-time job.
After university, Godso started teaching HIT workouts in her hometown of Auckland. That’s when Nike reached out. She may have thought it was a prank at first, but she’s since become a Master Trainer for the brand, traveling the world and helping others on their fitness journey. We sat down with Kirsty to find out what she’s like in bed.
What’s keeping you up at night right now?
Kirsty: Too many things! I’ve gotten really addicted to audiobooks and podcasts, so I keep listening to them when I should be going to sleep. That and Game of Thrones.
What do you wear to sleep?
Kirsty: A big boy’s t-shirt and undies! I wear this vintage dream team USA basketball t-shirt. That’s my favorite.
Go-to late night snack?
Kirsty: Frozen cashews! I know that sounds really weird, but if you put cashews in the freezer, they taste so sweet.
What makes you fall asleep?
Kirsty: The news.
Last thing you do before going to sleep?
Kirsty: I’m doing a new breathing course called the Big Exhale! I’m only two days deep, but it’s the last thing I try to do at the end of the day. Some of it’s video and some of it’s reading. Then you try these exercises that get you to breathe from your stomach rather than from your chest and slow down the amount you’re breathing.
Because I’m doing a lot of high intensity for my work as a trainer, I’m often not breathing properly. Now when I get into bed, I settle in and place my hand on my stomach. It’s funny because I keep sleeping like that because I’m trying to feel that I’m using my stomach to breathe. I don’t know if I’m actually following the rules while I’m sleeping, but check in with me again in like 30 days.
First thing you do when you get out of bed?
Kirsty: I fly out of bed. I usually wake up before my alarm to be honest. And then I get straight up and gobble down some water. I have hydration problems so I just drink way too much water.
What makes you want to get out of bed?
Kirsty: Exercise or sunshine.
How does sleep impact your day?
Kirsty: Whenever I have a good sleep, I’m like a unicorn. I can’t believe how different I feel. Especially as a trainer. I’m always preaching to people [about] training and diet, but if your sleep’s not right then you’ll never reap all the benefits. When I have a good sleep, I can just execute all day. But if I have a bad sleep then I’m tortured by it all day.
Last dream you remember?
Kirsty: Driving on the wrong side of the road in America. Not sure if it was a dream or if it’s reality!
What else do you do in your bed besides sleep?
Kirsty: With the time difference, I Facetime my family and my cat, Nico, back home a lot. He’s amazing. He’s a supermodel. He’s really good at Facetime.
I [also] listen to podcasts or sometimes watch Netflix on my laptop.
Why is exercise so important to you?
Kirsty: Exercise was a huge part of my upbringing. Both of my parents are professional golfers, so they were always super active. I was never into exercise for the result. I’ve always been in it just because I really enjoy moving.
I know it probably sounds a little cliché, but I just love racing around like a maniac. I feel exercise gives you the opportunity to completely change your day, whether it’s at the start or as a nice ending. I genuinely think it’s free therapy. It makes everyone feel better about themselves and it makes your entire body feel good.
If you had an extra fifteen minutes in your day, what would you do with it?
Kirsty: Facetime my cat.
What does failing mean to you?
Kirsty: An opportunity to try again.
What city do you sleep in?
Kirsty: I sleep in New York City.
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
The views, opinions, and positions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of Tomorrow Sleep LLC, its affiliates or their employees.