Being inspired by someone can be the first step to success.

An insight into one successful Irish lady’s life could give you the pep in your step you’ve been looking for…

Every day this week we’ll be inspiring you with one Irish woman who’s known for her healthy lifestyle and her success in sport, in association with Avonmore Slimline Milk.

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It’s on with the gloves and into the ring today as we’re inspired by Irish boxer Katie Taylor.

The 26-year-old Bray woman hit world headlines last summer as she became the current Irish, European, World and Olympic champion in the 60kg division.

Katie started boxing in 1998, at the age of 12.

Health and fitness is a priority for every boxer and Katie put women’s boxing on the sports map with her dedication to the sport.

Taylor qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the first time women’s boxing had been considered for the event. The country gathered around televisions and on the streets of Bray to watch her box her way to Olympic success.

Taylor was also named Sportsperson of the Year at the People Of The Year Awards in September 2012.

Taylor can inspire you towards a healthier lifestyle and put the pep in your step with the following health and motivation tips for boxers:

1. Why not check out your local boxing club to see if they have any offers on beginners’ classes? Boxing is a fantastic way to tone up, get fit and, if needed!, vent your end-of-the-day fury.

2. Make sure you get enough sleep. This goes for both boxers and non-boxers! Sleep allows your muscles to recover from training. Sleep also helps to increase your concentration and exercise performance. Eight hours of sleep is the recommended amount.

3. If you can’t afford gym membership, a skipping rope is the way to go. Skipping burns calories and helps increase fitness. It also strengthens your calf muscles, which is essential to boxers. Skipping helps improve balance and increases coordination. Skip for 3 minutes, with 1 minute intervals.

A variety of techniques can be used. You can jump using both feet firmly planted on the ground after each jump. Another technique is jumping using one foot while keeping the other foot off ground. Another option is to alternate between which foot is held off the ground. You can increase the pace by turning the rope twice for each jump.

Yesterday we were inspired by Fionnuala Britton...

Check back tomorrow for more Pep In Your Step Inspiration with Avonmore Slimline Milk, now with added iron and folic acid