Wednesday 14 September 2016

Introducing the experts…Teresa Wheatley

We have been introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week and this is the last update.  Hope you’ve enjoyed hearing from a range of different sports and fitness experts, and you’ve been inspired to try something new.



What do you do?
With almost 25 years of experience in exercise I regularly deliver education and present both nationally and internationally.  I pride myself on combining energy, enthusiasm and expertise all rolled into one and I’m well known for my ability to see and unlock the full potential in others.

How did you get involved?
During my school years I was a bundle of energy and I was always super keen on playing sports and dancing.  After taking a year out to visit Australia I stepped off the return flight and laced up my trainers (almost literally) and started my hugely rewarding career in group exercise by teaching Aerobics.  Since the early 90s when I first qualified I have continued with my education and professional development to a point now where I am regarded now as a specialist in a number of areas and am responsible for educating others within these fields. My working life has never ever felt like work and I feel very fortunate to still love what I do.

Why is sport important to you?
My parents were always hugely sporty and I am grateful to them for instilling that value in me. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to help other parents to be able to give the same gift to their children.

How can more women get involved?
By creating opportunities such as the WI Sports Week there is a greater chance of reaching more people and making sport and fitness more accessible for families. All it takes to find the recipe to your success is a little searching for the secret ingredients which I will be only too happy to provide based on the skills I have acquired over many years of specialising in this area.

Introducing the experts…Vanessa Barker

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…





What do you do?
I’m a personal trainer and I specialise in pregnancy and postnatal exercise.

How did you get involved?
I always enjoyed being active, so when I was at university studying English, I went to the local college and qualified as a fitness instructor.  From there I became a personal trainer, and thirteen years later I’m still working in fitness!

Why is sport and exercise important to you?
Having children of my own has made me appreciate the importance and role of exercise pin helping mums make a full recovery after childbirth. I have two children of my own and it’s made me extremely passionate about helping other mums with their postnatal recovery. I’ve been working with mums on their return to fitness since then.

How can more women get involved?
The mothers I work with often feel confused about what exercise is suitable after having a baby, and struggle to find the time to fit it in!  I think education is key- there’s so much pressure to ‘bounce back’, but when you appreciate what has happened to your body and how long it takes to recover, a more holistic and balanced approach is actually far more effective than rushing back to your old exercise routine. And it only takes 10 minutes a day to do the postnatal core routines I give my clients, plus some walking, which can usually coincide with nap time!

Website: http://www.vanessabarker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessabarkerpt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanessabfitness

Introducing the experts…Pollyanna Hale

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…




What do you do? 
I help tired and busy mums get in shape and get their body confidence back from the comfort of their own home with online coaching and support.

How did you get involved? 
I was active from an early age as a dancer, but in my late teens I developed an eating disorder and through being so unwell and unhappy, I discovered the incredible value of having good physical and mental health.  I became passionate about healthy eating and exercise, but when I had children I found that a lack of friendly resources for mothers was the reason why many of us can’t access the support we need.  So I developed my own system that fits into the life of even the busiest mum.

Why is sport and exercise important to you? 
The connection between mental and physical health is profound.  Women come to me wanting to lose weight and tone up, and whilst I make sure that is achieved, what they aren’t expecting is how happy and content they then feel, and how much new confidence they have, not only with their body but the self-belief that they can achieve something they put their mind to.

How can more women get involved? 
Media pressure has made women believe they have to do everything perfectly for it to work, which is unattainable and prevents people from getting started.  I try to show my clients that it really doesn’t matter if your meal isn’t Instagram-worthy – keeping it simple and focusing on the things that really matter makes healthy living so much easier.

Website: www.thefitmumformula.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefitmumformula
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FitMumFormula

Introducing the experts…Hannah Epps

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…



What do I do?
I teach Pilates and run a small private Pilates studio specialising in women’s wellness mainly classes, mat and equipment and one to one training to relieve back pain, improve Pelvic Floor Fitness, stretching and trigger point release.  I’ma  level 3 CYQ Pilates mat and equipment teacher, a “Pure Stretch” and “Your Pelvic Matters” qualified coach and I encourage daily movement.  Many of my clients are so busy so if they can’t attend classes, my website has videos, online classes and short e-courses. To help get deeper into specific issues, I also run workshops and retreats to make sure we are sociable and approachable so that clients feel relaxed to learn and discuss personal body issues and exercises with me.

How and why did I get involved? 
I have worked in business as a head-hunter and event organiser since 1992, commuting 3 hours to London, sitting all day, running corporate lunches and evenings, and I realised I was sluggish and unhappy.  When 9/11 happened in 2001, I was in the office in London and my attitude and life completely changed.  I decided to hand in my notice, and I became a local Marketing Manager of a Sports Centre in 2001, and I started attending a Pilates class.

I fell in love with the gentle movement and how it made me feel, as it was so much harder than it looks.  After my first baby, I had the car accident in 2004 and Pilates helped not just to get my body stronger but also helped my rehabilitation.  Whilst pregnant with my second daughter, I had had enough of working long hours and I wanted to spend more time with my daughters, and understand how Pilates was helping my back and reducing hip pain, so I trained to become a Pilates teacher and I’ve never looked back.

Why is sport and exercise important to you? 
Pilates is amazing, but I balance it with other forms exercise such as dancing, walking, groups classes and running with my dog.  I know the impact and speed of some fast aerobic classes has made me overuse of some muscles and the pelvic floor pounding means the slow movement and stretching in Pilates is essential for me to isolate the right muscles and focus on my inner core.  This helps support, mobilise my spine and receive my painful achy hip and knee joints.  My posture was very bad after having children and when I work on the laptop, but Pilates helps me work my weak muscles and helps remind me in daily life to draw in my tummy muscles, lift up and lengthen through my spine.  My tummy isn’t perfect but Pilates works my core muscles so they are more toned and stronger to support my back.

Pilates helps strengthen my weak Pelvic floor and tummy and I find Pilates is great for my older clients who have had hip or knee replacement or injuries or sciatica, arthritis, osteoporosis.  It also improves their balance to help prevent falls: a third of all people over 65 fall each year – 3 million people.

I find Pilates very calming in my busy life with a chaotic family and social life and I can get more stressed post menopause as cortisol levels are higher so relaxation and meditation at the end of a class is essential help me create balance.  I swear by my morning Pilates and stretch routine to get me up and moving as I truly believe that you are as young as you feel, so keep your joints moving.

How can more women get involved?
Find a local class - Pilates is so popular for men and women now that classes are run everywhere and remember that although it looks easy, it is important to learn the basics in a beginner’s class or a one-to-one session first.  Good teachers will have a lesson plan but will adapt the exercises to a lower level or appropriate for any injuries that you might have, and a class is more sociable and should always be fun!  You may even make friends through your class – many of my students go for a coffee or drink after class.

Another way to learn is from online videos or courses, or through my website where I have online back care courses.  You can do this in the privacy of your home on your own if you are not confident (but you must check you are doing it right), or involve your family and do it together.

I really encourage my clients to do ten minutes every morning and give daily morning schedules for them as simple exercises, stretches or changing bad posture habits helps your body stay young.  So if you have a persistent back pain or aches and pains or weak pelvic floor that puts you off exercising please contact me, I’m very happy to give you a morning schedule right for you or to help answer questions.

Whatever you decide is right for you MOVE, ENJOY it and MAKE IT PART OF YOUR LIFE!

Website - www.farnhampilates.com
Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/farnhampilates
Twitter - http://twitter.com/farnhampilates


Introducing the experts…Hannah Murphy

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…




What do you? 
My main role is teaching hula hooping to adults and children.  I am also a professional hula hoop performer and perform regularly at events and festivals across the UK and Europe.

How did you get involved? 
I started hula hooping four years ago when I discovered it at a local festival and it quickly became my hobby.

Why is sport and exercise important to you? 
I’m a busy mum with children and exercise gives me lots of energy to keep up with them.  Hula hooping is a great way to get fit and toned and the best thing about it is that it is extremely fun!

How can more women get involved? 
Although hula hoop classes are not yet on offer in every town and city across the UK, they are very much on the rise and luckily it is very easy to do at home or in your garden with your own hoop.  I recommend the lighter dance hoops as opposed to the heavier weighty hoops, these are safer to use and are more effective.  Just 10 minutes of hooping each day (5 minutes in each direction) will improve fitness levels.  Hoops can be purchased from a variety of outlets and I also sell them via Globe Fit.

Website: www.globefit.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanceYourWayAroundTheGlobe/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlobeFitUK

Introducing the experts…Donna Noble

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…



What do you? 
I am a yoga specialist, life coach and radio show host, working to create a movement that shows that every body is a yoga body.   My aim is to change the image of yoga making it more accessible and inclusive.

How did you get involved? 
A friend suggested that I needed a plan B and at the time I was interested in yoga so started a yoga course, with the intention possibly starting become a Yogi when I retired.  Whilst going through redundancy, it became clear to others and later to me that yoga was my passion so I decided to give yoga a go.  I travelled to America – initially for 9 weeks – to become a Bikram teacher and I ended up staying for 6 months travelling to New York and Texas.   Now I am showing that anyone can do yoga regardless of their shape, size, or age.

Why is exercise important to you?
I found that yoga transformed my life in so many ways, healing me both physically and mentally.   Now I help women through yoga and coaching to be compassionate and self confident with the intention of allowing them to connect with their mind and body, which in terms allows them to leading a simpler and stress free life.

How can more women get involved?
I recognise not everyone has time to dedicate time to yoga – the women I work are time strapped or do not feel that yoga is for them.  I help women get more involved in activity by showing that yoga does not take time but gives time and its many transformational benefits in terms of greater concentration, focus and being able identify what you really want.   Even if you only devote ten minutes a day to a practice, it’s possible to incorporate yoga into your life, which will really benefit your health.  The key is to recognise you can get involved even if you have very little spare time in your day and try to create the time.  Simply getting up a little earlier and getting on your mat and if all you do is breathe: that is yoga.

Countering yoga stereotypes
We’ve all seen that typical image of yoga with some body with their legs behind their head looking like a pretzel.   You’ve been there right?

What I love about yoga is that it is a practice that is inherently flexible.  It can be modified to cater for “every body” - regardless of you size, age or sex.  You will not only gain flexibility in the mind but also on the body.

The important thing to remember is that yoga is an equal-opportunity pleasure: whether you are young, old, male or female, large or small.

You don’t have to wait until you’re in a different place in life to start exploring your body’s potential.
Let me list some of the commons excuses for not considering yoga:

1. I am not flexible, so I can’t do yoga

This the primary excuse that I hear from a lot of individuals.  We’ve all seen the bendy yogis on the covers of yoga magazines on the supermarket shelf, Instagram and Facebook.   If you create a consistent yoga practice then you will become more flexible.  I am amazed at how many people come to yoga for the first time and are astounded at how loose they are (as termed by one of my yoga students).   With dedication and a little patience, you will become more flexible when you practice yoga.  Having tightness in your body does not stop you from reaping the awesome benefits of the practice.

Yoga is not all about the postures, so if you are breathing, you can do yoga.   It is essentially about mind, body connection through the use of the breath.

2.  I’m a total novice, I have no experience and I have no skills in the practice of yoga 

I always advise everyone to approach yoga with an open mind.   Being curious, open, and present is key, whether you are taking your first yoga class or your one hundredth.

3.  Yoga will conflict with some of my beliefs

Yoga is a study of the self — helping you to understand your inner world through movement and breath.   Helping you to identify any negative self-thoughts you may have about your body or life.   Individuals of all cultures and religious backgrounds can practice yoga.   It is true that it's generally seen as a spiritual practice but it's up to you to get what you want from yoga for instance its many wonderful benefits.

4.  I am too busy to do yoga

The more crazy life gets and feels, the more important it is to make time for yourself.  Think of likening your time on the mat to plugging your phone or computer into an outlet to get recharged.

Yoga does not take time it creates time!

When you make your practice a priority, you’ll be able to achieve more in my life, in less time.  You will be better able to focus on what is important.  Try to consider choosing something else in your life to be too busy for — like television or social media.  Placing higher priority on yoga will allow you to receive all the beautiful benefits a regular practice provides.

5.  I am too old to do yoga.

Yoga is ageless: the world’s oldest yoga teacher is 97.

There are so many benefits to be gained from a yoga practice: stress relief, healthy benefit, strength, balance, flexibility and mind, body connection.

Hopefully you will not get on your mat and start your wonderful yoga journey!

Website: www.thenobleartofyoga.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.noble.yoga
Twitter:  @Donnanobleyoga and @Curvesomeyoga

Guest blog by Claire Baird (Tea and Tarts WI) for WI Sports Week

Thirteen years ago I had left university, was working shift work, and met my husband. Life went on and the weight piled on from my new lifestyle. I was able to lose a couple of stone with sensible eating, but I wanted to get fitter as well. I dabbled in different forms of exercise, but shift work took away the ability to have an exercise routine.

In January 2015, I contracted severe pneumonia, and I was determined to never feel that way ever again. I used to see hundreds of people swarming to the Greenhead Park, Huddersfield every Saturday for the Parkrun. I decided that was my goal, to run the 5k Parkrun.

At the start of my recovery, I asked if I could volunteer for the Parkrun. The 15-minute walk to the Park and back was a challenge in itself. As I became stronger I started using the NHS couch to 5k podcast to build up to the 5k challenge. At this point my fellow Tea and Tarts WI members decided to support me on my journey. Samantha, Laura and Charlotte pushed me and supported me to my goal.

In September I did my first Parkrun with 650 other runners and my fellow tarts. And guess who got Park runner of the month? Me! Since then I have not looked back.


At the Parkrun, I spotted a few people with very bright ‘Acre Street Runners’ T-shirts, so I stopped one and asked them about the club. The man I spoke to was very enthusiastic and I arranged to go the following Thursday (with my tarts).

The club environment is so supportive – nobody is ever left behind, and because I am a slow runner this has always been important to me. All the runners take it in turns to encourage and support the beginner runners. We are also running a 5k heroes 8-week course with more Tea and Tarts members starting to run!

This year I completed the Jane Tomlinson 10k series, I have completed a 10mile race, and next year I am going to do the rock and roll half marathon in Liverpool.

So why do I run? Running is therapy. I feel physically and mentally stronger, healthier. I have new passion. I have made lots of wonderful friends. I get to explore my surroundings. I would recommend running to anybody. Everybody has a reason to start running and I find that inspiring.

Remember a 20-minute mile is just as far as a 6-minute mile.

Thank you to my friends at Tea and Tarts for their ongoing support, and to Nicola Ingle for helping me write this article.








Introducing the experts…Sam James

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…



What do you do? 
I am an L3 Exercise & Disability specialist and I work in both the gym and group exercise environment. I present, talk and train others in disability fitness, and I teach disabled children and adults Zumba and Clubbercise.  All of my classes are open to everyone and are fully inclusive.

Why did you get involved? 
I cracked a bone in my shoulder joint and went through a year of rehabilitation to get it back to where it is today. I had a lot of physio and hydrotherapy, but it was when I worked with my friend who is a personal trainer in the gym that I saw the biggest improvement! He encouraged me to train and told me about the qualifications I would need, and advised that I should work with disabled people. I started researching and the first thing that came up was instructability.  Even though it sounded too good to be true, I applied and got on to the course to train to be a gym instructor.  Now in less than two years, I am lead instructor on the sessions I did my work placement on for the course.

Why is sport and exercise important to me?
Sport and exercise is so important because it breaks down all the barriers that normal life brings us: there is no right or wrong.  It doesn't matter if you’re doing your own thing as long as you’re moving.

Website: www.samjamesfitness.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/samjfitness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samborambo80

Introducing the experts…Chris Tuck

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…





What do you? 
I specialise in working with women who need to ‘break the cycle’ of living an unhealthy and unhappy life.  I help women who have been through challenging life experiences as a child, adolescent or adult to transform their lives through their mind-set, nutrition, fitness and de-stressing their bodies.

How did you get involved? 
At the age of 30, I had a breakdown as a result of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect as a child and adolescent.   The impact of what I had been through affected both my mental and physical health and at this crossroads in my life, I knew that I needed to make massive lifestyle changes in order to regain my health and happiness.   I specialise in health, weight management, Pilates and movement, working with children, adults and the older population, either in a group or on a 1:1 basis.

Why is sport and exercise important to you? 
Activity and exercise has always been important to me. The only time I felt any peace as a child was dancing around the radio in my bedroom on a Sunday evening to the Top 40 or running the 800m and 1500m at school.

When I left school, I started attending aerobics and “legs bums and tums” classes in order to release pent up energy and the anger that I felt from my childhood.  Whilst studying long hours for my accountancy qualification, I always looked forward to my scheduled ‘fitness breaks’. Even at this early age I knew that exercise was an important to how I felt and how productive I could be.

At the age of 33 I retrained as a Fitness Instructor so that I could share the benefits of exercise with my local community. Through my own healing I have come to realise the importance of having a positive mind-set, eating well, exercising and de-stressing my body are for me to cope with everyday life…..to be healthy and to be happy.  Exercise is part of my everyday life like breathing is to all of us.

How can more women get involved?
I think we need to really need to show women the real benefits of exercise on both their mental and physical health. We need to meet women where they are & discuss all the options with them.  When I start working with a new client who is stuck in a rut we look at where they are now and where they want to be. We look at their current lifestyle and habits and we devise a plan together that suits their needs at this moment in time.  This plan of action will change and evolve with the client.

To get started with exercise I encourage everyone to get out walking and connecting with nature, this will have a massive impact on their mental and physical health. Buying a step counter and trying to do 10,000 steps per day is a great starting point.
There is an activity available to suit every woman’s needs whether it be more intense like a HiiT class or running to walking, swimming, cycling, Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga.
We all have so many demands on own time nowadays that it is really important that we all schedule time into our diary for some daily activity.

Tuesday 13 September 2016

Introducing the experts…Marion Foreman

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more….




What do you? 
I am a nurse and Personal Trainer, specialising in working with older ladies and those people on their cancer journey.  I work not only in my gyms but also in a local residential home and with a local cancer charity.

How did you get involved? 
I wanted to find my own Personal Trainer who would understand me, I am not in my 20s  so wanted a more mature PT.  I couldn’t find one, so I decided that I would retrain to be a PT and be able to offer this service.

Why is sport and exercise important to you? 
The benefits of exercise have been well documented but I am constantly delighted to see the change in people as we work together.  Not only do they become healthier, they start to feel far more confident about themselves.

How can more women get involved? 
Exercise isn’t all about going to the gym, plenty of other options exist. It’s about being more active – whether it’s walking, swimming or even doing the housework! The same thing does not work for everyone; find something that motivates you to keep active.

Website: www.alltogetherbetter.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alltogetherbetter2016/?fref=ts 
Twitter: @ForefrontMarion

Introducing the experts…Lillie Pragnell

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…



What do you? 
I am a health coach with a twist. I am a personal trainer, nutritionist and beauty therapist. I like to use my knowledge and skills in each area to help women take back control of their life and appreciate how amazing they are.

How did you get involved? 
Originally I ran my own beauty therapy business but I have always had a true passion for health and fitness.  One day I woke up and decided that beauty really was only skin deep and want to help my clients get more from me so I retrained gaining a degree in nutrition and completed my Personal Training qualification.  This allows me to give a well-rounded, holistic approach to their lifestyles.

Why is sport and exercise important to you? 
Having never been particularly sporty growing up I was relieved to find I loved running at 23 and now 7 years later I am competing in my first ever Triathlon. It opened my eyes that we categorise and stop ourselves believing that we can do it.  I now help many clients that are scared to exercise, as they have never done it before or they are intimidated by gyms.

How can more women get involved? 
By incorporating belief, motivation and homebased exercises into women’s lifestyles it gives them the confidence to go for it. We all have to start somewhere, even if it is a power walk or slow jog for 5 minutes, every day that will grow minute by minute. I design workout plans tailor made for my clients to ensure they feel comfortable with the exercises. By achieving them week after week it gives them the positive mind-set they deserve and shows them that they can ‘do it’!

Website: www.restartcoaching.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/restartcheshire
Twitter: www.twitter.com/restartcheshire

Monday 12 September 2016

Introducing the experts…Mary Huckle

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…



What do you?
I am the founder and owner of Breakthrough Fitness.  I’m a personal trainer and Pilates instructor working with clients from all walks of life, and I’m qualified in pre and post-natal exercise and children’s fitness.

How did you get involved?
I have a background in banking and finance but decided to embark onto a fitness career about 12 years ago as health and fitness was always a lifelong passion of mine. The majority of my work is for a variety of personal training and I also run Pilates classes.

Why is sport and exercise important to you?
Undoubtedly, the general benefits of exercise are immeasurable; after all, there is enough evidence to suggest that exercise is the new drug. For me personally, however, it means so much more. I have been twice diagnosed with breast cancer and exercise has been my saviour. Furthermore, having first-hand experience and knowledge of a chronic illness now enables me to pass on my expertise and help others in similar situations.

Every day, exercise is being recognised for its long term health benefits, in particular for people who have suffered some kind of illness. Being unwell can throw us off track to wellbeing and this is when we may need encouragement and help from someone else. I actively help women during and after breast cancer surgery and treatment, empowering them with the reassurance and knowledge that their quality of life can and will improve at a time when all seems quite bleak. The key is to recognise that you can remain or become active during these difficult times.

Website: www.breakthroughfitness.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakthroughfitness1/
Twitter: @mary_huckle

Introducing the experts…..Karen Laing

We will be introducing a range of different experts from WIFE throughout WI Sports Week so make sure you check back in regularly to hear more…



What do you?
I run a fitness business with my husband Chris teaching Pilates in classes and online, specialising in women’s health.  I also write about fitness, physical and mental health and women in the fitness industry.

How did you get involved?
If I’m completely honest, my ‘portfolio’ fitness career came about by accident.  After four years as a management consultant for PwC Consulting I took voluntary redundancy I re-trained both in fitness and as a journalist.  Since then I’ve developed my business from being a freelance fitness instructor to a fitness business co-owner with my husband.  I write.  I present.  I teach.  And hopefully, I inspire.

On reflection, my ‘portfolio’ fitness career is everything that I need for job satisfaction. I’ve always loved teaching and coaching and always craved a mixture of activity and the need to use my brain with my work. My business lets me have it all. I can write, research, interview and present but I can also do and instruct.

In everything I do, I aim to inspire and inform. I want to break down barriers to activity and exercise in order that more women can improve their life quality through small, yet informed changes to their exercise and activity levels.

Why is sport and exercise important to you?
I used to just move because I enjoyed the freedom and fun of movement.  I especially loved dance.  I was never particularly ‘good’ at sport and was never in any teams but I could dance and I enjoyed it.  I used to play tennis with my friends in the holidays but never attended sports camps.  As I’ve got older I’ve realised that anyone and everyone can learn to play sports for fun.  I felt I didn’t learn how to get better at sports and therefore didn’t enjoy them because I hadn’t naturally excelled.

Today I love to move and exercise because it makes me feel good and helps me to manage my anxiety and a chronic health condition (I suffer with general anxiety disorder and an over active thyroid/Graves disease).  I also know it helps to keep me mentally sharp and gives me the best chance of staying healthy and active as I age, vital now as I approach 40 with two young children.

Sport and activity is also important for body image. As the mum of a girl, I would love for her to learn and understand that her body is not something to be objectified but that she can be strong and fit for whatever sport she chooses.

I do Pilates, I run, I cycle, I lift weights, I play golf and tennis, and I love to try new sports.  In the past few years I’ve tried gymnastics, open water swimming, surfing, and river kayaking.

How can more women get involved?
My plea is for women to just move more. There is no snobbery in sport or activity. Find something you love. Do it with people you love or make new friends. And find a great instructor. Don’t give up at the first instructor who doesn’t float your boat - be persistent. If you really want to improve your quality of life, it’s worth sticking at it until it becomes a habit.

If you try to squeeze exercise around your busy schedule it will often if not always slip of the end. I’d recommend fitting your busy schedule around your exercise, then you can squeeze more activity around your busy schedule!

Website: http://fit-school.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitSchool
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenllaing

Friday 9 September 2016

WI Sports Week – launching on 12 September


On Monday 12 September, the first ever WI Sports Week will kick into action with a huge range of activities and events planned and run by federations across England, Wales and the Islands.  The NFWI Facebook page will be dedicated to sharing as many of these as we can, as well as showcasing expect information and advice from members of WIFE - Women in Fitness Empowerment.

WIFE brings together some of the most inspiring and influential women working in the health and fitness industry today and provides training and education, as well as a platform for women to share their expert knowledge.  Engaging more women in taking part in regular exercise, sport and activity is an important part of their role and they hope to help as many women as possible to the health benefits and the enjoyment of leading an active lifestyle.

During WI Sports Week, the WIFE Expert Team will be bringing tips, advice and videos to motivate and encourage everyone to try something new, or answer any questions you have.  Their expert team represents true diversity of ages, interests and ability and includes busy mums with small children as well as older women with grandchildren.  From fitness competitors and athletes to disabled instructors, there will be someone on hand who understands your particular needs because they are just like you.

Throughout the week we will be introducing experts from the WIFE team and linking through to their social media accounts so that interested members can contact them directly to ask questions and find out more information.  We will also be showcasing some of the activities and events taking place in federations everywhere, and sharing photos from members who are getting involved – so if you are planning to attend an event, please let us know and send over your photos!  Keep an eye on the NFWI Facebook and Twitter accounts for more information, and for inspirational help and advice from fitness and sports experts.

We will also be sharing information, images and events planned by federations and WI members everywhere, so please do get in touch to let us know what you're up to, and check in with our social media accounts to see what fellow members are up to.  It promises to be a really inspirational week!

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