A desire to feel better is usually at the core of why we exercise and while that means different things for each individual, there are often patterns. We recently talked to one of our clients about her reasons for exercising and wanted to share them in case some of those patterns sounded familiar. 

Meet Natalie, she’s in her early 50s, has an elderly Mum, a teenager and a child with additional needs to care for. Natalie is very much in the middle, trying to be everything to everyone.   

“I was an unfit, slightly chubby child. I ate too much and did too little. At school, I was always the last one chosen for teams, sport just wasn’t on my radar. To cut a long story short, my inactive lifestyle continued into my 20s, until I started working in London and began walking to work. The 45-minute walk twice daily, extra fresh air and movement improved my mood, so I added in jogging intervals, not much, but I’d make myself do it. I didn’t really enjoy it, but I did revel in the post exercise euphoria and started to lose weight.

My mid 30s saw the pregnancy phase – having a baby, breastfeeding, being a full time Mum. It was a busy time and exercise was the casualty. Luckily, I won a raffle prize at my daughter’s school, a voucher for a bootcamp in Kingston. Finally, I’d found something I enjoyed. I loved being outdoors with a community of like-minded women and for the first time I was accountable for my fitness.  

I continued regular bootcamps for 4 years, but then injured myself. I reluctantly stopped to allow my body to recover and during that time started researching different types of local fitness classes. I kept hearing about barre classes and came across Connect Fitness, I gave it a go and absolutely loved it. Barre helped me to focus inwards and tune into my body. I now realise that I carry a lot of stress in my body and the instructors have gently made me aware that I hold myself with a huge amount of tension. They’ve educated me and given me exercise variations to help me find ways to overcome these issues. 

I currently do one Barre and one Low Impact Strength class per week, with lots of walking in between. Barre is focused and controlled and keeps me injury free, and low impact strength is great for bone health and preventing muscle loss. The two exercise styles really complement one another. I feel stronger than ever, and I love the calming headspace exercise brings. I can see and feel my progress and I’m getting better at listening to my body and working to my own capabilities rather than pushing it until I reach injury point. Exercise is now enjoyable and non-negotiable.

Unlike my school days, there is no judgment. There are people of all ages, sizes and abilities at Connect Fitness and a lovely atmosphere where you feel comfortable and cared for.  I also love the fact that I’m supporting a local business, run by women of a similar age and who want to help others feel strong and healthy.  

I no longer exercise to make myself look slim. I do it because I enjoy how it makes me feel. I do it to switch off mentally to manage my stress. I do it to live longer because my children need me. I do it because I’m an older Mum and I want to stay fit and strong for as long as possible.” 

Finding the right fitness regime has had an enormously positive impact on Natalie and those around her. She is proof that you don’t necessarily need a sporty background to start exercising. Finding the right routine and environment to thrive in, with a community of people you like and trust is key. Could this Autumn be the first chapter of your positive fitness story?