Introduction
I am a Development Officer at the University of Bristol – working to create and implement accessible opportunities to participate in physical activity, specifically focusing on how it can improve/support good mental health and wellbeing. You could say I was ‘not-sporty’ growing up but joined a gym/started running while at University. Following this I qualified as a Personal Trainer in 2019 – wanting to gain more knowledge to support my own journey with fitness and help others. I have a huge personal interest in Women’s health, fitness and wellbeing – particularly passionate about getting more women engaging in weight-training and being present in gym settings.
Importance of Health and Activity
“Health is wealth” – our ability to enjoy life to its fullest relies on us being healthy – health comes from engaging in behaviours that have a positive influence on our mental and physical health.
Physical activity can have both physical and mental benefits – but important to participate in a way that is supported, enjoyable, accessible to be impactful. We may not consider the psycho-social benefits of being active regularly – sense of belonging, self-confidence, sense of purpose, social connectedness etc.
Strength training was my ‘first love’ in the fitness world and contributed massively to improved resilience and self-confidence that impacted my life both in and out of the gym. There’s something about lifting heavy weights (whatever that means to you) that makes you feel a bit unstoppable. This activity also forces you to unapologetically take up space and that also spills out into other areas of your life. Whatever the activity now, there’s a resilience from being able to “do hard things” that I get from exercise, that I don’t get elsewhere.
Importance of Opportunities for Women and Girls
Women in Sport recently shared – 1 in 2 women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, compared to 1 in 9 men. And still only 41% of women in England partake in strengthening activities at least twice a week, and that percentage decreases for Black and Asian women. Learning how to participate in physical activity in younger years will help reduce the risk of age-related injury and complications later in life.
Barriers for women and girls
Safe spaces – women-only spaces allow women to participate in physical activity without fear of the male gaze. Particularly important in some cultures where women cannot exercise in the presence of men. Outdoors – many women do not feel safe to go outside for exercise in the winter due to the darker mornings/evenings.
Toxic culture of fitness/diet industry – (generally speaking) women are not encouraged to participate in physical activity for their health or for enjoyment, usually for weight loss. This doesn’t not help women foster a positive relationship with exercise, or their bodies.
Periods – fluctuating energy levels, access to suitable period products and/or comfortable and suitable clothing. More is being done in this space ~(e.g. how to plan your physical activity around your cycle) but still a long way to go.
Time – many women will have caring responsibilities that make it difficult to engage with physical activity at the traditionally popular times of day. (morning/evening).
Practical Tips and Advice
Try lots of different things! You don’t have to enjoy what everyone else enjoys or what everyone on social media looks to be doing. It’s trial and error a lot of the time. And you can enjoy more than one thing. Maybe think back to what you enjoyed doing when you were younger and start there, or tag along with friends to something they are doing regularly.
Seek professional advice/support if you can. I understand that cost can be a barrier here, but getting some initial advice (e.g. from a personal trainer, if you’re interested in joining a gym) can give you a little confidence boost for those first few sessions.
Also, look for other women (or friends/family)! Finding other women/girls who are looking to achieve the same goal or are interested in the same activities can be a huge motivator. Having people to talk to when you’re struggling (accountabili-buddies) is also a great way to stick to your goals.
Personal Reflections and Future Goals
I supported a This Girl Can gym takeover in 2019 with my ‘fitness instructor’ hat on. ~I coached small groups of girls on certain exercises – e.g. deadlift – and seeing the sense of achievement and personal power from individuals, and the support shown by others in the group, was incredibly uplifting to witness. Women supporting women, and seeing women/girls take up space in that way is always so rewarding.
We always get fantastic feedback on the women-only sessions we run for students and staff, and we are looking to do more of these this year, focusing on some of those barriers mentioned above. More Lift The Curfew events during the winter months, and This Girl Can events. Hopefully linking our students/staff into other TGC events happening locally in the community.
Final Comments
Representation of women and girls in physical activity and health spaces has come a long way, but I think there is still a long way to go in many areas. I think as individuals, we (women) need to continue to speak up about the inequalities faced by women/girls in the physical activity space, and (collectively, professionally) work together as organisations to better understand the barriers faced by women/girls now, and provide appropriate opportunities.
How can readers connect with you or learn more about your work?
