This morning we launched a new series of bi-monthly InspirationELLE talks here at ELLE HQ. The idea? To invite the coolest, most innovative and knowledgeable people in different industries in each week to speak to the team about what they do and new ways of thinking.

Our first speaker was ELLE Fitness Editor, Muireann Carey-Campbell, also known to her friends and cult fitness following as Bangs & A Bun.

Over coffee, lemon polenta cake, frittata and chocolate and mascarpone muffins from legendary Soho deli, Lina Stores, Bangs talked to the team about mind-body connection and how the empowerment you feel through fitness can filter out in to every aspect of your life.

Here are 10 things we learnt from her incredible talk:

1.You have to start somewhere

After realising she lacked in self-confidence, Bangs attended a local boxing class. ‘Straight away, something happened. For the first time I felt amazing and powerful and I just wanted to do it again and again.’

2. Don’t give up

After 30 seconds on her first ever run, a 5k Park Run session, Bangs said she wanted to give up. ‘I told myself, I’m not going to stop no matter how much I want to and I completed the distance without stopping. That moment changed my life. Everything in my body said no but I pushed on through.’

3. Appreciate your body

The more Bangs kept running, the more confident she became in herself.

‘Yes, I had jiggly love handles and cellulite but whenever I was running I kept thinking, wow! My body is doing amazing things, my body is awesome.’

4. It’s not about looking good, it’s about how you feel

‘There’s this idea that women can’t get sweaty or look ugly but who cares? If you feel amazing on the inside that will manifest on the outside.’

5.  Fitness is just moving

It doesn’t have to be a chore. ‘Fitness is just about moving, even if you just go for a walk in your lunch break and get some air that still counts, you’re still moving!’

6. The connection between the mind and body will allow you to channel your inner badass

‘Whether it’s slaying a business meeting or asking for a raise, I always think back to that time when I pushed through physically even though I thought I couldn’t. It makes me feel powerful.’

7.  Define fitness on your own terms and do something you enjoy

‘I’m not running at the moment because I haven’t been enjoying it recently and I don’t want it to become a chore. So next week I’m going to an NBA cheerleading class. Find something you enjoy otherwise there’s no point.’

8. When you want to give up, distract yourself

Bangs says a good way to deal with that impulse to to give up is to develop a few useful mind games. ‘When I ran the London Marathon I counted from 1 to 16 over and over again, it just takes you out of your head.’ Another tip is to use the environment around you. ‘Set yourself goals. For example, I have to get to the next lamppost, the next bench and so on. It really helps.’

9. Don’t beat yourself up

‘If you’re not in the right state of mind, it’s not going to happen. So if you have a bad run or a bad day just tie a knot in it. Leave it and go back to it, that way you won’t get put off. I never beat myself up.’

10. Eat what you want and reward your body with fitness

‘Eat cake when you feel like it, celebrate your body and reward it with fitness. The endorphins you release when you exercise will make you feel great which is why I say it’s a reward. So go channel your inner badass and hear yourself roar!’

Words by Chloe Sherard-Knott