Words by Em Armstrong
If you are in The Squad…you will know that Caz has been a part of the teaching family here at Saltbush Stretch since the start of the year (and YES…I’m still pinching myself at how lucky we are to have her)! Caz is one of our mat pilates teachers and SHE IS BLOODY AMAZING!
Not only is she a bush bred babe, through and through, her passion for living your best life, moving your body, eating well, enjoying life and everything else that comes with it, is just the PERFECT fit for Saltbush Stretch and YOU the bush babes in the community!
I want to ask Caz a few questions, just so you can get to know her a little more (and its more of a love relationship) rather than a hate when she is making you pulse for that extra 10 seconds haha.
So, I hope you enjoy the read and if you haven’t already dropped Caz a line, be sure to say hello in the comments in your next flow online…here we go…
Caroline Gaston, but just call me Caz. I grew up in the Riverina, on an organic cropping farm, West of Hay, near a little town called Maude (population under 60 ppl, thriving metropolis, hehe). My family were on this farm for 28 years of my life, up until we sold and moved as a family to Wagga, onto another Farm 🙂. Fast forward 7 years later and here I am now, living on the South Coast, near Jervis Bay with my partner in a little country coastal town. What I’ve always dreamed of, to be country coastal. Best of both worlds.
You just can’t beat the bush life. The freedom, the independence, nature, animals, serenity, and my oh my, those beautiful Riverina sunrises and sunsets. Some of the best I’ve ever seen in the world. You just can’t buy those. It’s an experience I will ever be grateful for.
The bush life will always have my heart. And who knows, I may end up back there again someday. I’m such an adventurer though, I love trying and being in new places. In saying that, I mean mostly outdoors, ha. I love being out in nature, and especially near water. As mentioned, with the country coastal life I have both, the salty water and beautiful national parks surrounding me. I’m still somewhat in the bush…just with a whole lot more greenery than I’m used to, haha.
Growing up on a farm, movement is a part of everyday life. So, it’s always been quite natural for me to get up and get moving. It’s about bringing energy to my day, testing myself, pushing myself, but also honouring my body with participating in a type of movement that I know it thrives on and brings me joy. I’ve always believed that movement should be enjoyable, and treated as a celebration of what our bodies can do.
I was honestly so honoured to be asked to be a part of the Saltbush Family as an instructor because I think exercise and movement should be accessible to all, even if you do live in the middle of nowhere. It’s an opportunity to give back and help those who can’t just pop into their local gym, or drive 5 minutes down the road for a boxing class. It’s allowing those who want to move in fun and creative ways to do so from their living room, out on the porch, or who knows, maybe even in a shearing shed, ha. It’s also about connecting rural people, bringing a community together of like-minded high vibing individuals, when we all know that the bush life can be very isolating and lonely at times (definitely more evident depending on the season, hello sowing, harvest, shearing etc ha)
Not being able to meet all of YOU in person!! Seriously. I’m admittedly so use to teaching face to face, and love getting to know people and their stories. The camera however, is not so chatty and interactive I’m afraid, ha. Plus, ewwwww I’m still not use to seeing myself on Video and hearing my voice, ha.
Oh, good question. I’ve tried so many, ha. I still think Lorna Jane has some of the best sport bra’s, very supportive. Tights and bike shorts I absolutely love Nimble Active wear, soft and buttery, great for pilates, yoga and reformer. For the gym, I do love Muscle Republic, cute but functional (i.e. no see through tights when you squat, thank goodness).
Ok, very unpopular opinion here….but I’m not really a coffee drinker (Don’t hate me, hahaha). I’m one of those weirdo’s that loves the smell but doesn’t think the taste is as good as it smells. However, I’ve had very adamant friends that have persuaded me to continue to try it, and I have maybe 2-3 coffee’s a week now. So, progress. Summer is iced lattes on almond, winter is dirty chai on almond. Yep, still not a proper coffee order, hahaha.
To never stop believing in yourself and what you are capable of.
I’m a big quote person. So, answering this with just one is HARD!!! But right now, I’m feeling this vibe.
“Be Happy for this moment. This moment is your life” – Omar Khayyam
And you can get to know Caz a little better via her Instagram page. Caz is very active on Insta and takes us on a daily experience of her active and balanced lifestyle, so make sure you check her out (for daily motivation and inspiration) @farmgirlfitnessoz
And maybe we need to do another blog on Caz for her to give us all the hot spots for a south coast holiday…pilates studios, beach walks, coffee nooks and fresh food! 😉
Big love. Em xx
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