Tamara Lorey has been teaching fitness classes on Harbour Island for 7 years. I had the opportunity to attend her classes when I lived on the island and was thankful for her constant motivation, because I probably wouldn’t have had much otherwise! I’ve always been slightly envious about her fitness level – a remarkable balance of strength, flexibility and stamina. She’s constantly propelling her students with her upbeat energy and enthusiasm in order to push it to the max.

She has a contagious energy and a true love for her island home. The island has limited options for exercise programs, so she has really brought something special to the community with weekly scheduled classes in beautiful locations overlooking the ocean or harbour. She also offers private sessions at your home or rental property.

Originally from South Africa, she arrived in The Bahamas and fell in love with the islands. She has since married and has a beautiful daughter who is the epitome of an island girl, with sun bleached blonde hair and a Coppertone tan. When Tamara isn’t teaching or volunteering in the community, you can find her on the beach with her family, playing in the surf. Her lifestyle is one revolved around healthy living and embracing all that Harbour Island has to offer – sun, sand and fun.

I recently had the opportunity to pick her brain about her fitness regime and life on the island, and I’m thrilled to share her story.

MM – Tell me about yourself and your background with fitness and dancing. 

 TL – I started dancing at the age of 4yrs old. I trained in modern, ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz and hip hop. I graduated and did my teacher’s exams in dance and at the same time did my fitness courses.

At 18yrs old, I started dancing professionally. I danced at places such as Sun International, Sun City and Royal Caribbean cruise ships in South Africa, Le Royal Meridian Hotel, Bahrain as well as corporate functions and TV shows.

In 2000 I started my own business in choreography and dance for casinos, shows and corporate functions.

After 12 years of running my business, I was ready for a change in my life.

MM – So you packed up and moved to The Bahamas. How long have you lived in Harbour Island? 

TL – I moved to Eleuthera first and lived there for about 2yrs teaching fitness and dance classes to the children, and then I moved to Harbour Island which is where I’ve been for 7yrs now.

MM – What do you like about the community of Harbour Island?

TL – I love everything about this island – the people, how small it is, how we have no traffic and how we are surrounded by water and sea and ocean! What more could anyone ask for? It’s a small community and everyone basically knows everyone and it’s great! It’s like a big family, which has its issues and ups and downs for sure, as all families do. But so fun!

MM – Tell me about Fitness with Tamara. What are your goals?

TL – Fitness is a lifestyle and it is something that each of us needs in our lives to live a long and healthy life. I love to workout and love to see others enjoying working out and having fun.

I teach a whole variety of classes from Yoga, tone and sculpt, stability balls, resistance bands, beach bootcamp, circuit training, personal training and more.

MM – Who are your clientele?

TL – I teach all kinds of people from young to old. Especially on the island you need to be ready for anyone and everyone. I have had the privilege of teaching quite a few celebrities and they have loved all my classes.

MM – What challenges do you face with your business?

TL – I think the challenge is not knowing who you are teaching sometimes, and you have to go in and adjust and modify for each person you meet and teach. But these are fun challenges and I love the challenge!

MM – Your classes have brought a lot to the community of Harbour Island, a place with limited options for exercise programs. In what other ways do you contribute and/or are involved in the community?

TL – Being from South Africa, I love to help the children. So I help all the schools on the island and I do a lot of charity work for the schools and make sure the children have what they need for education and health and life!

I also teach free dance classes to the children every week at all the schools.

MM – Describe a typical “day in the life” living in Harbour Island

TL – This varies as it depends on how busy the island is, but I usually get my 4yr old daughter to school, then go and teach a class…or 2 or 3.

I’ll pick my daughter up from school and we spend a few hours together. I then go and teach my afternoon classes or go to the beach with my daughter.

MM – Anything else you’d like to add…

TL – I’m very grateful for life, love and where I live, especially my family and what I am able to offer to this little island!

Life is good in The Bahamas.

To join a class or set up a private session on your next trip to Harbour Island, give Tamara a call or an email, or stop by her website for more information on her fitness programs.