Nadine - KP Fitness Girl

Boot Camping with Nadine.

Nadine Edstrand is a Swedish Fitness Power Machine.
Since she was only three years old, she was training gymnastics and when she at a very young age began competing - it was her Dad who trained her.  

"Sports are a huge part of my life. I started gymnastics at the age of three and when I started to compete, my dad was one of my trainers so you can imagine how much time we spent practicing backflips in the backyard!

I am the founder and trainer/teacher of Phangan Bootcamp & Yoga. Just a week ago I also started teaching Stand Up Paddle board Yoga with Phangan SUP;

Sup Yoga with Nadine at Charm Beach Resort Koh Phangan from Phanganist.com on Vimeo.
 

"The Bootcamp first started for girls only but the demand for a mixed class grew so now it is open for both females and males.

Tell us more about the Bootcamp. What is your idea behind, what do you guys really do and who attend?

The idea of the boot camp comes from a summer I spend in Sweden doing crossfit.
The amazing club and team spirit even though it is a very individual sport. You pep each other a lot. I fell in love with the short but intense workouts and the fast paste to progress.

"It started with helping out a friend who wanted to get in shape and she told a friend who told a friend so I then started the weekly classes on the beach at my house.

The rumour about the Swedish Viking pushing you into shape spread fast among the locals."

It’s mostly locals who attend. A lot of girls with kids who play around us while we are getting our workout done. A lot of business owners too but of course some tourists as well.
I have met some of my best friends through the bootcamp and it is amazing to see how I have created a little boot camp community.

It is important that new students get properly introduced and that everybody are friendly, I want to keep a family-like feeling in the class. We cheer on each other a lot! A lot of screaming and pepping, team work! Once you feel like giving in I am there to keep you motivated.

The Bootcamp is a high intense 30 min. class, you push yourself to max with minimal breaks.
Every workout is different.

"I wanted to create something different on the island, shorter workouts that fit people who have a busy schedule but enough time to get you into shape. With this kind of method it is easier to perform at 100% the entire class.

There are 4 classes a week and every class is different.

We work in intervals, the timer is my most important tool. Exercises like tire flipping, rope pulling, circuit routines, sprints etc. whatever we do we go for full power for a limited time period and then a rest to catch our breath and then on it again. HIIT style, High Intense Interval training.

A lot of exercises like burpees and squats. Exercises that is good for the entire body, strength, cardio and stamina.
Body weight resistance is mostly used but also a lot of car tires involved in my classes. I use whatever I find on the beach that is heavy and safe. Old ropes from fishing boats, tractor tires etc. only my imagination can stop me really.

I never wear whites to class or clothes that I am very fond of. We get very sandy and sometimes dirty from the tires.

My students like the fact that they never know how the class will start or end. It is also part of the fun to get a bit messy, too see you hard work. The more sweaty and sandy my students are after a class usually the bigger the smile.

As I am such a dedicated athlete due to many years in gymnastic training and competitions I understand the physical and emotional levels one’s body can take. Therefore each bootcamp exercise is guaranteed to use all the appropriate muscles for the correct effect. So members can feel and see the results after their hard work and dedication.

Anybody can do it, I always have modifications for everything. It is about willpower and I’m there along the way to help you gain it."

Girly power rough 'n' tough ?

"Yes! But it is more than just a workout. It is on a beautiful spot on the beach facing Koh Samui with great friendly people who usually also invite each other to other activities and events outside the class.
When you start bootcamp you gain not only muscles and a toned body but also great friends, confidence and a membership to a club not only available on bootcamp hour."

Friday there is an open class at 5 PM
( which means free :)

Good form girl !

"My passion is what I teach and it’s amazing to make a living out of it. I teach a few different classes nearly every day.

After my gymnastic and dancing years, and my constant search for inner peace, it came natural to fall into the practice of yoga. The yoga I teach is a modified form of Ashtanga and very suitable for beginners. When I did my teacher training I pushed myself too hard trying to reach perfection and got very injured and that made me very humble. I modify the sequence a lot to be able to reach out to a bigger crowd.

To spice it up a bit, and use all the elements on this island, I now practice and teach on water as well!
On a surf board! SUP Yoga is the new thing and completely new to this island.

Everyone is welcome any day for any of my classes!"

Bootcamp falls on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5pm for ladies and gents, young and old, rookie or advanced!

Vinyasa yoga is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9.30am on the beach platform.

SUP Yoga on Wednesdays at 9am.

Classes outside the schedule, group or one on one, available per booking:)

How is a common day like for you here? ))

"I usually get up with the sun and go for a run and then do my own practice.
After my own practice, then I hold a class or have a PT (personal training) session with a client.

After that I spend most of my days at Charm Beach resort playing around on the sup and preparing for my classes.

My friend Dani (Dj Dani V), the owner of Phangan SUP and Phangan Kite, just started a guided paddle board trip to the island Koh Tae.

A great workout and a lot of fun.
They have daily tours so if I am not too busy they usually let me join.

Also, the sunsets on the board are beyond this world.

To watch the day come to an end out on the water with Koh Phangan in the back ground is just worth everything.
Reminds you why you are here and doing what you love even though you are always semi-broke!"

"Other than that I am always spending a lot of time trying new exercises and reading a lot of articles and books about health and training.

I'm currently studying to get my PT (personal trainer) fitness license.
Anyone can learn how to use machines at a fitness gym but I want to be more then that.
The human body is so complex and I want to study and learn every part of it. I use my lifetime of knowledge and experience in sports I have dedicated my time to.

I have done everything from gymnastics, dancing, soccer, American football, basketball, boxing and crossfit.
I believe it's experience and knowledge that makes a good teacher, rather then an expensive piece of paper that says you are certified. It is good to have however haha!"

"I love hiking up Khao Rha, the highest mountain on the island.
We usually get a few friends (and dogs) together and do it early morning. Or spending my days snorkeling or diving. I just took my advanced certificate a few months ago and I might try for dive master!
If we still have some power left at the end of the day we go and kick some pads at the local Muay Thai gym.

Scandinavian power!
My friends here call me 'Viking'.

It is pretty funny - people that have only heard about me get surprised when they meet me in person.
I’m 161 cm but a mean power machine."

"Also,  just because I like to take care of my, and other peoples, bodies does not mean that I do not like to let my hair down and have a drink and a dance.

You actually can get in-shape and party. My clients really like that about me, I am human! I like to educate about food and nutrition but I really do enjoy a good glass of wine and a bit of dark chocolate.

However, my skinniest drink tips would no doubt be vodka, lime and soda water.

Ladies night at Bangers & Mash is a favorite spot among my girlfriends. Probably because it's always more men then ladies on ladies night haha.
Loi Lay Sundays are always a good place to dance and very good music!”

Full power! How did you end up HERE ?? )) This is not a particular sporty island like Koh Tao f.ex ))

“The first time I visited the island it was ‘cause of the Full Moon party. It was in 2007 right after my high school graduation and I didn't like it at all. I didn’t like Thailand very much either actually. I was too young and travelled with the wrong crowd. We traveled too much for only 2 weeks and I got frustrated with the constant misunderstanding and that everything took so long. Today my favorite expression is sabaii sabaii (relax)."

What happened that made you come back and stay anyway ?

"I came back in 2009 after I realized I was caught in the hamster wheel far too early for my age. Quit my job, boyfriend and apartment and went backpacking for two months and met a guy who properly introduced me to Koh Phangan, his favorite island and it quickly became mine as well.

We travelled between Asia and Europe for a year and all the time in cars, airplanes or bus seats, eating crappy food and candy to let time pass; it made me fat so I got myself into Muay Thai boxing to get back into shape. Fell in love with boxing and actually had a few fights.
After this, I spent a lot of years at Kobra Muay Thai Arena and there I also met the love of my life. Love at first punch haha!"

Together they opened the hostel Ringside across from Kobra in 2011.

"We started Ringside as a place for the students of Kobra to stay, a Muay Thai hostel, but it quickly got popular among party people and today it’s one of the biggest happenings on Ban Tai road. It was actually Ringside who brought beerpong and flipcup to Koh Phangan."

I sold my share a while back. I wanted to focus more on myself and my fitness.
You are very busy and tied-up having a business like that. I left Sweden to get away from that kind a stress and find my purpose - follow my passion.
Here you are so much happier with much less money and stress."

Did you also sell your share on your Lover ?
"Yes I guess I did!

Which of the activities are making your salary right now?

"The Bootcamp."

What is the best thing you have ever done or been involved with ? Here or anywhere ))

"For sure the Bootcamp!"

If you should point out what it was that brought you to where you are today, what would you say?

"My love for fitness!"

For the future she would love for her Boot Camp to grow bigger!

"I love having my own business. It's all on my own terms and what I want to represent. A flexible schedule with enough time to grow and go on new adventures. I’m only 26 so I have time to figure out what I want to do, but I feel I'm on the right track."

"Other then that I love to explore the restaurant seen on the island, I love food!

The constant hunt for good and healthy food is always on. I wish that all restaurant would sell coconuts! a coconut a day keep the doctor away.
My dream is to open up my own health centre/resort/spa."
 

Thank you very much for your time Nadine!

We wish you good luck with the Boot Camp and all your future dreams!!