CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH POWERHOUSE IN WOMEN’S FITNESS - Pt. 2 Anna McDermid
Today, on International Women’s Day, I’m excited to introduce you to Anna McDermid in Part 2 of my Powerhouse Women series.
She’s a fitness force, widely recognised through Adapt Fitness and Kate Ivey Fitness, and a game-changer in the training scene, both nationally and internationally. Her Strength Pilates classes in Marlborough are something I look forward to every week, not just for the burn and the workout, but because Anna’s presence, insight, and expertise make her incredibly trustworthy. Like Sarah (yesterday’s feature), Anna has a natural magnetism, the kind of energy that makes you want to show up, push harder, and feel your best.
From the first class we had together, I admired Anna. I sent her a PM afterward saying she had a beautiful voice that I could listen to all day. By the second class, I was complimenting her flawless skin (she probably thought I was a bit creepy, but let’s be honest, I’m not the only one who’s noticed!). The truth is, Anna has a presence that draws people in, both on screen and in person.
But what truly makes Anna exceptional is her ability to bring women together, of all shapes, sizes, strengths, and abilities, making each person feel seen, supported, and capable. She’s not just a trainer; she’s a mentor, a motivator, and a leader.
Anna is the driving force behind so many women’s physical and mental performance, inspiring and empowering women worldwide. She’s a powerhouse, a role model, and someone so many of us in Marlborough admire.
Today, I asked her some questions about her journey, what drives her, and how INXHALE has made an impact on her well-being - enjoy!
Love, Kate X
1. Tell us a little about yourself—who you are and what drives you? I am a Personal Trainer, DediKate Trainer and Pilates instructor passionate about women’s health, fitness and our forever changing hormones. I love to help women move and give them confidence to push beyond their limits.
2. Before INXHALE, what was a challenge you faced in terms of wellness, stress, or focus? Constantly felling like I was in that sympathetic drive (fight or flight, tired but wired) and a little on edge.
3. How has INXHALE helped you overcome that challenge? What’s changed for you? It has helped me to calm down and centre myself before teaching/coaching clients, also with the kids! Sometimes life can be so rushed - I now take a couple of deep nasal breaths with the inhaler, focus on a long exhale and then go.
Also the Alert is perfect for when I need clarity, focus and to clear the mind both in and out of the gym! I love to take it before a strong strength session to really focus on the work ahead and get those neuromuscular pathways firing! Helps me lift heavy shit!
4. How have you turned your passion into something that drives impact or success? My strong passion for women’s health and fitness has led to me to strive to be the best for myself and my clients. I love giving clients the confidence to move their bodies without limitations. In turn this is now my daily job I am one of those annoying people who loves my job so much it feels I never work! I love to lead by example showing “consistency over extremes” and real life!
5. What’s one superpower you think women naturally have? Mental Strength to run a million tabs in their brains! Kids, sport, work, groceries, piano lessons, swimming day, emails, washing, buy this, buy dog food, order that, pick up at…the list goes on.
6. What’s something about being a woman that people don’t talk about enough? Our hormones and menstrual cycles especially around peri and post menopause. It’s a big deal!
7. What’s something totally unexpected that you can do (hidden talent or fun skill)? I am secretly a mathematical genius and science geek but I can’t seem to countdown from 10 in classes – everyone seems to get a few extra reps/pulses!
8. If you could switch lives with any woman in history for a day, who would it be and why? My Mum, she’s a legend and I’d love to spend a week in her shoes when we were young, sometimes I feel we over complicate life nowadays!
9. If you could create a custom INXHALE blend just for yourself, what would it smell like and what would you name it? “Cognition” – a lovely fresh herby mix to help us ladies with our brain mis-steps as we age!! I like to call them “Brain farts” - I think I do 15,000 steps a day because I am constantly forgetting and walking around in circles not remembering the task I came to do!
This International Women’s Day, I hope you’ve taken a moment for yourself. Whether you’re juggling business, family, or life’s daily demands, prioritizing your well-being isn’t just important—it’s essential. Our CALM and ALERT inhalers are here to support you, helping you reset, refocus, and recharge whenever you need it.
