Nathalie Hendrikse won the Dutch Handball championship with her former club Succes Schoonmaak/VOC Amsterdam during the season ’16/’17. The 23-year-old dutchie recently changed to carry on her professional career with Handball Club Gjerpen in the Norwegian “Eliteserien”. Nathalie is not only a social media savvy with 27.000 followers on Instagram, she also loves to share her experiences with her followers through her personal website. She’s a successful sportswoman who takes care of her body, and as a proud and happy user of our FitLine products, she knows exactly what she is adding to her diet plan.
Today she gives us a closer insight into her career, her private life and her experience with FitLine:
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in the great city of Amsterdam and grew up in a small town next to Amsterdam. Before moving to Norway, I basically lived with my parents.
What was growing up in Amsterdam like?
When I went to high school, my whole life was in and around Amsterdam. After I graduated high school, I went to university and studied criminology. Last year in December I graduated with a Bachelors degree, and one day I still would love to get my Masters degree. After school, I used to work in a clothing store. Later on, I worked in the hospitality industry as a hostess, and I often did some small projects for television, and advertisement and commercial shootings.
How, why, and when did you start with handball?
My mother played handball, and when I was around four years old, I started too. The funny thing is that I started at another club, which was not that renowned. Two friends of mine wanted to improve, so they changed the club. At that point, I decided to go with them, and the funny part is that I am the only one who still plays handball today.
What is your main motivation to carry on and to be succeed in handball?
At this point, I feel like I can be so much better. I always want to deliver my best performance, and I know I can still get stronger, faster and better in handball. My motivation is to get everything out of it. I am very competitive, and I always want to be the best in everything.
What is your greatest achievement in handball?
Definitely moving to a Norwegian League team because that opens new ways for me to further improve. Especially from a physical point of view. Also, the competition is way stronger, and every game requires very hard work and loads of dedication.
What are your tips for finding a balance between professional sports and private life?
I realized it is hard to visit everyone when I am back home and to give everyone attention, and I am still trying to figure that out, but I guess you should also think about what is most important for yourself. The things that make you feel good! I also believe that I am very very lucky with so many family members and friends who are so comprehensive about my situation and, for example, my boyfriend travels to Norway every two weeks to be here with me.
We know you are creative and have your very own jewellery accessories line. What other hobbies do you have?
I used to draw a lot when I was younger and I love travelling to explore new places and meet new people and cultures! I try to travel as much as I can.
What do you do in your spare time?
I work on my own website, my web shop and I hang out with my teammates. We regularly eat together and get coffee.
How did you come to know the FitLine products?
When I received an email regarding FitLine, I couldn’t wait to try it out. Before that, I didn’t use many dietary supplements, so I was eager to find out the effects.
Which products are you using at the moment?
I’m using Basics, Activize, Restorate, ProShape, Gelenk-Fit and the Fitness-Drink.
What effects do you get from FitLine products?
I feel so much more energy! Also, my recovery goes quite fast and many times when I think I will feel extremely sore after training, the day after it feels much better than I expected.
How do FitLine products affect your sports performance?
More energy affects my performance because I can do more without getting tired or sore and because my recovery is so quick, it is easier to go on for the next training. Especially during weeks when we don’t have that many matches and when we train really hard.
What is your favourite product and why?
Activize! When I take that in the morning, the early morning training gets a lot easier!
How do you find the support and advice from the FitLine team around you?
Just great! They answer all my questions and are very supportive. They plan my routine for me and every month after the feedback my routine gets adjusted to my needs.
If you could sum up FitLine products in three words what would they be?
Makes sports easier!
