The philosophy at Inspired Health is live life with “balance”, not perfectionism
Award-winning writer Rachel Grunwell is a force to be reckoned with: not only is she a health and wellness columnist for Goodmagazine and Indulge magazine (the latter goes on the Herald online weekly), she also writes for lots of publications like Good Health magazine and a string of titles under the NZME group. The yoga teacher, personal trainer, motivational speaker and magazine recipe creator manages to run multiple marathons every year too. On top of that, the mum-of-three is the blogger behind Inspired Health which aims to inspire Kiwis to move more and live well.
As a qualified coach and yoga instructor, Rachel helps people to manage their weight, get fit and feel happier; individually as clients, or as part of health retreats at Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa.
Always on-the-run (25 marathons at last count), Rachel knows a thing or two about mind-set and goal-crushing. She runs for her own wellbeing, but also helps disabled athletes through events, and has helped a string of disabled athletes through the New York Marathon.
Brands view Rachel as one of New Zealand’s top wellness bloggers and influencers, collaborating with brands and businesses to inspire Kiwis to live a life with “balance”, not perfectionism.
In 2019, Rachel partnered up with beauty brand LindenLeaves, promoting the brand and running their wellness events nationwide, attracting up to 100 attendees. She’s the ambassador for the Polynesian Spa, running their Mindful Moments Retreats & the face of the iconic NZ destination for videos and marketing material. She’s also the ambassador for the Rotorua Marathon event, inspiring Kiwis to get fit and take on a challenge at the event (in any distance they choose).
Background
Rachel worked for the Herald group & Fairfax as a journalist for many years as an investigative journalist.
She once won NZ’s best social issues journalist of the year in NZ. She’s been writing in the wellness/ health/ fitness/ happiness niche for about seven years. You may remember her weekly Herald column where she reviewed hundreds of fitness and health trends. You name it, she has tried it (and survived it for the sake of being a word-smith!): Acrobatic yoga, flying trapeze, boxing with pro boxer Monty Betham, surfing in Hawaii, BMX riding with Olympian Sarah Walker, a Tough Mudder training session with Shorty St star Pua Magasiva… She’s interviewed many of the top health and wellness experts globally through her newspaper and magazine writing through to NZ based experts. So, Rachel has a unique overview of the wellness industry.
Rachel balances her business around her family including three school-aged kids who keep her grounded. People often label her “Superwoman” because she juggles high-profile wellness work with family life. But she argues that Superwoman is a myth. It’s about living a life mindfully in balance. Ps she says if she really was Superwoman.. then she’d use her super powers on her kids to get them to do their homework without a fuss.
Rachel's Work in Wellness
Polynesian Spa ambassador
Videos, co-leading health retreats, smoothie recipes, face of the brand.
Pureology ambassador.
Face of a haircare brand that is vegan, sustainable and cares about the planet.
Run For Your Life magazine
(published in NZ & Australia). Penning the Wellness pages.
New Balance
(apparel and footwear). Influencer in the lead up to the New York Marathon in Nov 2017. Rachel took over the social insta-story account for the brand sharing yoga-for-runners stretches and shared yoga knowledge.
Marathon work
Rachel has worked with Christchurch Marathon, Wellington Marathon, Rotorua Marathon. Work has included vides, social media, blogs and at the Wellington and Rotorua marathons she spoke on a panel to inspire runners and share advice.
Wellington-based newspapers for three months leading up to the event). Here’s a column example HERE.
Good magazine.
Wellness columnist and healthy recipes creator. Rachel inspires Kiwis on how to be fitter, healthier and happier. She interviews experts globally. Read one of Rachel’s columns HERE.See her beetroot juice published in Good magazine here. See a published Chocolate Smoothie recipe bowl HERE.
John West
John West sponsors the Auckland Marathon’s 12km event. Rachel co-presented a series of videos inspiring Kiwis to get fit and healthy alongside an elite athlete. This contract also involved social media + doing stretches at the start-line of the event with Art Green & helping at the event expo with yoga-for-runners stretches. Here are two video from a series she co-presented for this contract. One vid example click HERE & another vid example click HERE
Wellbeing expert/speaker
Rachel co-leads the Linden Leaves wellbeing events nationwide alongside Health guru Ben Warren, Good magazine and the Linden Leaves beauty brand team.
Rachel has appeared numerous times on The Long Lunch. Here’s a link to hear an interview. Click HERE. She has also appeared regularly on The Mix and Saturday Fresh radio shows. Listen to a radio interview withCarly Flynn where Rachel talks about goal-setting Here.
Nespresso
Speaker on a panel discussion on how to be a success (alongside celeb chef Josh Emett and comedian Jesse Mulligan etc). Social media influencer work on two campaigns.
My Food Bag
Social media campaign to promote the Fresh Start meals (healthier meals).
Lululemon
Speaker on a panel for two Mind over Miles events. Leading yoga classes on-site for the brand. She has also lead yoga-for-runners sessions for Adidas and Asics.
Achilles Charity Ambassador
(spokesperson for the charity, she guides disabled athletes through run events).
Qualified yoga teacher
Rachel is a qualified yoga teacher who teaches corporates science-backed de-stress strategies like mindfulness.
Fitbit
Key note speaker at a big Fitbit launch/social media influencer/helping lead stretches along with The Batchelor Art Green at the 12km Traverse at the Auckland Marathon, inspiring 3500 people before the run challenge.
Travel writer
Here’s a piece published through the Herald group nationwide on taking the family to the Whitsundays. Click HERE
Cigna insurance
3-year relationship (2015-2018). You can see a video where Rachel worked with Cigna click HERE.
Cigna Round the Bays event columnist (published weekly in
Director of Inspired Health
A website to inspire Kiwis to live ‘well’. This website link is included at the end of magazine and newspaper articles by Rachel.