Introduction
I’m Alice, I have two young daughters who keep me very busy, but entertained. I used to be a primary school teacher and Special Needs Coordinator in South Bristol. I really enjoy being active and finding new ways to play and learn with the girls. My new role is working with mums in Filwood to understand what activities are taking place and what could be done to help people be more active in the area by trying to remove any barriers.
Importance of Health and Activity
I find physical activity really helps reduce a sense of being overwhelmed at everything there is to do, everyday. My head feels much clearer on the days I walk or cycle compared to days when I drive. Above all, I want to be strong to be able to be active with my kids.
I realised after my 2nd maternity leave that staying active was much harder with two children than with just one and I really noticed my energy levels dropping. I did a programme to kick start some healthy eating habits and started getting up early to fit in short strength training sessions before everyone else gets up. Quite quickly I saw huge improvements in my confidence, fitness and wellbeing. I would like to help others start this journey, with whatever small steps they can make.
Importance of Opportunities for Women and Girls
I think mums are so active all the time, they may just not realise it! There is a never ending list of things to do and there never seems to be enough time. I want to help mums to work with what they’ve got to build their self esteem and make a few tweaks to what they do to feel more active and more confident. It is so easy to feel defeated by what needs to be done and not recognise what your body needs and deserves. I would love to help others to change that!
The Role of Community and Support
I’m looking to following up on the Small Steps campaign that Bristol Girls Can launched and use the successes to inspire the next wave of new mums. I’m hoping to improve on that work in my role, creating a closer community link.
Practical Tips and Advice
I think you need to not think ‘What can’t I do?’ and ask yourself instead, ‘What can I do?’ The next step is to build on that in small steps, by making it achievable. There’s no point thinking you need to go to a gym if you hate going places alone. Instead you might prefer to find a friend who’ll walk with you or do an activity with you so you’re not alone at first. There’s lots on line that might fit around your busy day better, but if you’re not motivated to do it, you might be better trying to do something out of the house with others.
Personal Reflections and Future Goals
As a primary teacher, it felt rewarding when gender was stripped away from being active. We had amazing rugby coaches that made rugby feel accessible to all and the girls loved it as much as the boys, Often joining local clubs. l loved whole class Zumba sessions where the boys excelled and had just as much fun as the girls. As an adult,I think how you perceive your gender has quite a heavy influence on your confidence when being active. I think this is particularly tricky as a mum, particularly if your body has changed. It’s an extra barrier.
Final Comments
I am open to ideas and experiences of success stories and barriers to success. I would love to hear from other mums and find out how their journeys have unfolded and use this to help others find success.
Get in touch alice@bristolgirlscan.co.uk
