Movement, recovery, and balance look different for everyone — but for former Silver Ferns captain, mum, and wellness advocate Ameliaranne Ekenasio, it’s all about keeping active in ways that feel good and last a lifetime.

We sat down with Ameliaranne, BePure Joint Care’s ambassador, to talk movement beyond sport, daily non-negotiables, and her best tips for staying well while juggling it all.

Q: Movement is such a big part of your life. What does it mean to you beyond your career?

A: Movement beyond my career means more than just breaking a sweat. It’s a stress release, a mood booster, and a non-negotiable for my mental health. I really believe the physical impacts the mental and vice versa, so I know I could never stop moving. It’s about living the best life I can — for me and my family.

Q: When you’ve got a lot on your plate, what are the non-negotiables that keep you feeling your best?

A: Movement always comes first. Alongside that, a nutrient-dense diet to fuel my body, daily supplements, and pockets of quiet somewhere in the day — whether that’s journaling, meditating, or even a quick ocean swim. Just time to reset.

Q: How has your approach to health and wellness evolved over the years? Any advice you’d give your younger self?

A: I’ve become more organised, especially around nutrition and planning meals to match my training. I’d tell my younger self to nail this before having kids — it makes life easier! And as a recovering perfectionist, I’ve learned to let go a little. Sometimes you just make the best choice with what you’ve got. Oh, and always keep your favourite veggies in the fridge — they’ll save any meal.

Q: When you think about staying active for decades to come, what feels most important to you?

A: I want to move in ways that include my kids and hopefully help them fall in love with it too. I don’t want movement to be the only thing I do, but I want it to keep energising me and adding years to my life. That means shifting away from always feeling like I’m competing, and instead focusing on what feels good.

Q: Do you have any top tips for other busy mums (or anyone juggling a lot)?

A: Keep your habits genuinely easy but impactful. Trial and error is fine — keep what works and let go of what doesn’t. A few of my go-tos:

• Prep supplements in weekly packs so I can see what I’ve had at a glance.
  
  

• Buy a big 2L water bottle — less filling, no excuses.
  
  

• Even on busy days, I journal. A few minutes clears so much mental clutter.
  
  

• Manage your notifications. I switch them off after 8pm and don’t check my phone first thing in the morning. That, plus sleep, makes all the difference.