Meet Ave-Mai Larin from Estonia’s fitness scene

Ave-Mai Larin is a 19-year-old who has been involved in sport since childhood, moving from dance and volleyball to HIIT training. In this short profile, she talks about what gets her moving every morning, how she structures her workouts and the simple advice she offers anyone just starting to get in shape.

Who is Ave-Mai Larin

Name: Ave-Mai Larin. Age: 19. Height: 164.

Sport has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. Before discovering HIIT, she tried one activity after another: dance, volleyball, Muay Thai, boxing and gym training. Each brought something to her life, but nothing stuck for good — until fast-paced interval training came along.

Marlen Heldemeel introduced her to HIIT and now coaches her. Before attending a class on dry land, Ave-Mai also completed Suppama’s HIIT instructor training — giving her the confidence to take the next step and try a more intense format off the board and out of the water.

How Ave-Mai Larin trains

Her workouts are fast-paced and intense, with her heart rate high throughout. Every set is an all-out effort — no lengthy warm-ups or taking it easy. It suits a lifestyle where motivation is plentiful but time is short.

HIIT is also her way of unwinding. It sounds paradoxical, but many people who train intensely say the same: after a hard effort, your mind is clear and your body feels content. If she misses a workout for any reason, Ave-Mai makes time to unwind with her best friends at the weekend.

She is candid about her role models: her most important role model is herself. Other names she mentions are Marlen Heldemeel, Sandra Raju and, from abroad, Denice Moberg. The people around her and the desire to be a little better every day keep her motivated.

Nutrition and supplements

“I eat whatever I want,” she says plainly. But that does not mean anything goes — she tries to keep her meals simple and homemade. When shopping, she chooses unprocessed ingredients; the only exception is sweets, where she says she pays no attention to anything. It is a healthy attitude: strict restrictions tend to backfire eventually, while a flexible everyday routine can last for years.

Her favorite foods are home-cooked classics: roast chicken and potatoes, and mashed potatoes with ground meat gravy. As for supplements, she occasionally takes B vitamins, pre-workout supplements and amino acid blends. Nothing exotic or expensive — just the basics to support a day of intense training.

Three tips for beginners from Ave-Mai Larin

1. Do not overthink it. Take action to become a better version of yourself instead of simply wishing for it.
2. Make simple changes. Try moving more throughout the day — walking more, for example.
3. Start where you are. Getting in shape takes consistency, not one perfect week.

FAQ

Where can I keep up with Ave-Mai Larin?

On Instagram under the username avemailarin.

What is HIIT, and why does it suit Ave-Mai?

HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, alternates short bursts of maximum effort with brief rest periods. A session often lasts 20–30 minutes, making it easy to fit into even a busy day — and that is exactly what defines Ave-Mai’s workouts.

Do I need gym experience before trying HIIT?

Not necessarily. It is more important to start at a sensible pace and listen to your body. If an exercise still feels unfamiliar, you can replace it with an easier variation and progress as your strength and technique improve.

Author: Turg.Fitness.ee

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