A regular at Coast Fitness since 2015 , Paul Pilgrim like a lot of dad’s (and mums), has a busy schedule around family, work and a growing business, yet still manages to find time for a regular fitness regime and the great outdoors.
Check out Up North Apparel and read on for some insights into what drives a man like Paul Pilgrim.
Keep up the good work Paul and we’ll see you in the Gym.
Never pass up a photo opportunity in the brand
What inspired the creation of Up North Apparel?
It stemmed from some down time during COVID, I had been designing and making custom fishing shirts for fishing comps around Cairns in a previous job and decided there was a bit of a niche in the market for a more lifestyle/fashionable garment with some lighter/cooler fabrics for our climate and away we went.
What's the 5 year plan for the business?
To be working on Up North in a full time capacity, growing our stockists and also growing the custom side of the business which I have just started.
You are pretty consistent with your training, what's your motivation?
In a world that is very fast paced, it is nice to come to the gym and zone out for an hour. Training is great for the body, mind and soul. I feel like if you are disciplined at the gym you can take that discipline and apply it to your everyday life.
With a full time job, a business and a family it obviously takes some planning to fit a fitness regime into a busy lifestyle. Why is that important for you?
I feel like I am a better husband, Dad and person when I work out, so for me fitting it into my life is essential.
You're not long back from the idyllic round Australia trip. Did you stay in shape and if so how?
Haha, well I tried as much as possible to visit a few gyms along the way, however there were definitely a couple of beers in between. While we were travelling everyday life for me was more physical, whether it was swimming, surfing or just seeing the sights, there was certainly more opportunities for adventure and activity for me than during the everyday work/life grind.
How do you work on keeping your kids fit and healthy at a time when that seems to be getting harder to do?
My wife has a lot to do with that, we try to encourage healthy eating where we can and limit screen time as much as possible, however there is never going to be a perfect balance. The weeks are filled with the kids in dancing, swimming and gymnastics so that helps. We try to do outdoor things as a family together and develop a love of being active whether it is swimming, bike riding, paddle boarding or just camping and being outdoors and active.
Enjoying Fraser Island with the family in Up North Apparel of course!