Women in Sport: Personal trainer and fitness influencer Nathalie Lennon
In this instalment of our Women in Sport series, fitness enthusiast and amateur golfer Nathalie Lennon shares her sporting inspirations, goals and proudest achievements.
Nathalie Lennon is a qualified personal trainer, nutritional and health coach, and wellness content creator from Wicklow. With a passion for empowering others through fitness, mindset, and lifestyle, she shares daily motivation based on the importance of balance with her growing community on Instagram and TikTok.
Nathalie is also the host of The Dating Games podcast and a regular voice on Irish radio and television. She has recently signed up for ‘The First Tee’ with former Paralympic swimmer and gold medallist Ellen Keane, and ex-Ireland international footballer Stephanie Zambra.
‘The First Tee’ is Golf Ireland’s social media campaign with the goal of encouraging more women to consider taking up the game of golf, by seeing women they follow embark on the challenge of learning how to both play and get into the sport over a 12-week period.
The trio, who are all new to the game, recently had their first lessons at the driving range. In the coming weeks, they will attend a Get Into Golf session along with like-minded beginners and a Chip & Chat evening, joined by female golfers of all ages and abilities. Here, Nathalie shares her sporting story so far.
Profession: Personal Trainer, Nutritional Coach & Content Creator
Earliest sporting memory?
Probably sports days in school. Somehow, the crawling race was my speciality, I think I won that every year. Dancing was my main active hobby growing up.
How did you become involved in fitness and wellbeing?
I actually have a degree in Earth Science and in my final year of college, my passion for health and wellbeing grew immensely as exercising became my stress relief and I realised how much improving my diet helped my energy levels. The love for it grew more and more ever since, and after graduation, I went straight into personal training.
What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in
pursuing a career as an athlete?
I think it’s so important for all women to remember the importance of fuelling their bodies well and prioritising hormonal health. My favourite quote is: “Your body is an instrument, not an ornament.”
Proudest moment so far…
Finishing my third half marathon last December. In 2017, I had a hip injury and was told it was unlikely I would run longer distances again, but by 2024, I was fitter than prior to this and beat my pre-injury half marathon time by a few seconds.
The female athlete I admire most is…
This would have to be Ilona Maher. After the Paris Olympics, I feel like her online presence did tremendous work in promoting body positivity and inspiring young women to pursue their passions in sport. She’s breaking so many stereotypes in the sporting world.
Favourite sporting memory…
I guess I would say dancing was my sport. I did it up until I was 21 in all my spare time. Dancing in the Christmas pantomimes at the Olympia were my best memory of that. The fitness levels needed were far beyond what you would think!
Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?
Yes, but it’s shifting. I think women are showing up, speaking out, and proving that we belong in every arena and in every sport.
What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?
Media coverage and sponsorship levels for female sports could still improve dramatically when compared to those of males. It’s hard to support what you can’t see.
The biggest stigma/misconception that exists in women’s sport is…
That it’s not as entertaining or competitive — entirely untrue!
If I wasn’t an athlete, I would be…
Maybe an environmental scientist.
My favourite pre-work out meal is…
A toasted bagel or two with peanut butter, banana and honey. My favourite before a long run.
My pre-work out playlist includes…
You could hear anything from Fall Out Boy to the High School Musical soundtrack!
My daily routine is…
With my job, every day is a different one. I always start the day with Zest Active, some morning light, a good breakfast and a cup of coffee. After that, it could be training, creating content, a nutritional consultation session, or recording for the radio or podcast.
My biggest sporting goal is…
Right now, it’s golf. As a total beginner, I have a lot to learn and plenty of practice to put in before the KMPG Women’s Open Pro! That’s my main focus now. After this, my goal will be to run a full marathon.
Sports brands I love (Irish or otherwise)…
Gym+Coffee, Brooks, Nike, Pursue Fitness and Gymshark.
Biggest splurge to celebrate a win…
More than likely new trainers and clothing for running!
How do you mind your mental health?
Having quiet time in every day, just for me, where I just sit still with my thoughts and feelings. I get overstimulated very easily so I always need some quiet time to wind down at the end of every day. I’ve learned that I need to carve this time into my schedule to be able to function at my optimal capacity mentally as well as physically.
My three desert island beauty products are…
Mascara, SPF and lip balm!
I need 8 hours of sleep a night because…
Recovery is where the magic happens. I usually get 8.5-9 hours, where possible. I can’t function on low sleep levels, it’s so important.
Confidence, to me, is…
Owning your weaknesses as much as your strengths and never apologising for them.
How do you get over a bad performance?
Feeling it, allowing myself to sit with the feelings, then trying to learn from it and move on, while putting those learnings into practice. Worth isn’t defined by one moment.
Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national, and personal level?
It brings people together, builds resilience, and gives us all something to believe in, whether we’re playing or cheering!
