October news

Hi all and hello Autumn!

As I write there are four squirrels in the garden frantically gathering acorns. Our community garden has finally slowed to a manageable number of courgettes and tomatoes and the trees are just starting to turn.

Autumn feels as if it is coming on a little heavier this year. Collectively we are navigating a lot whichever climate we’re talking about – whether it be environmental, political or emotional.

This month we look at what the changing of the seasons means for WildStrong groups, how to keep going as we go deeper into winter and a question often asked by our members, what to wear to Winter WildStrong?

Happy reading!

Gill & Megan

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad equipment”

Or something like that. Yes, we would agree with the sentiment.

We made a little video on what we recommend you wear to a WildStrong session, and to a Mellow session. Worth bearing in mind the Gill is a very cold person and so layers with a zest and passion rarely seen. Even she will admit that the long johns under leggings might be overkill, but surely it’s better to be too hot than too cold?

But what if you don’t have the kit, does that mean you can’t come to WildStrong?

There is lots of research that suggests access to kit is a major barrier to people accessing the outdoors. We’re looking at ways to tackle this but the moment we make sure that all new joiners know that if they need to borrow layers we will have some available. We’re working on formalising this process – ideas are very welcome!

Will I have to lie down in the mud…?

Not that often actually. We’ve switched over to Autumn/Winter programming, but what does this mean?

You may have noticed that we try to fit monthly or seasonal themes into our programming. For September and October we’re focusing on refreshing the basics and ensuring that all of our new and returning members are comfortable with the foundational kettlebell and bodyweight movements.

We always try to construct our workouts around the key movements for life.

Core movements for the next few months will include, but aren’t limited to:

* Squats

* Hinges (Especially kettlebell swings and some heavy deadlifts/pick ups.)

* Lunges

* Push Ups

* Key kettlebell movements like swings, cleans, snatches, presses and thrusters.

Let us know if there are any skills, or movements you’d like to focus on this winters!

How do we keep going during the winter?

Seasoned WildStrongers know that the winter season is in fact our busiest – our group sessions are at their fullest between September and May. From speaking to members, there are lots of reasons for this – mostly, once you’ve made time for the habit people like to maintain it and there is less on socially, so it’s harder to make excuses. When you start seeing progress and new skills develop as well as knowing that you have an hour to see your friends and be outdoors, it’s a hard habit to kick.

That’s not to say that it makes it any easier to leave the house on a cold, dark evening when the other option is a nice glass of wine and an episode of Bosch. But once you’ve crossed the threshold it suddenly feels less like madness.

For those of us who are familiar with or have experienced Seasonal Affective Disorder before, know the transition from the long summer days to the shorter, colder, darker days of winter can be a tough one.

Looking out for each other

We have a few members who struggle more than others in the winter months – if there’s someone you haven’t seen in a session for a while, take the time to send them a message and check in. The power of the “accountabil-a-buddy” is strong and we’ll see this season out like we every other one, together.

Outdoor Connections

It was a real honour to be a part of the YHA’s Outdoor Connections workshop last month in the Lee Valley Park. We met with representatives from charities, youth groups and community interest companies all working to improve access to the outdoors for diverse groups – whether that be people of colour, people living with long term illness or disabilities and other marginalised groups.

The YHA aims to form a community of practice, known as Outdoor Citizens, bringing together organisations and leaders who share their commitment to increasing participation and access to nature, culture and heritage.

We met so many fascinating people and heard from some great speakers. Post COVID these meetings feel even more valuable as we re-learn the power of the “hive mind” in solving problems. We look forward to seeing where these connections lead!

Other bits and bobs

• We loved seeing some of the photos from WildStrong Falkland’s members on holiday in Barra last month - practicing their mobility movements on windy beaches.

• We have some very smart new WildStrong hoodies, t-shirts and snoods! These will be available to buy through the website very soon. We opted for really nice, high quality pieces that will last - everything is ethically sourced and produced. Gill’s favourite is the Atlantic Blue hoodie and Megan’s is the pink women’s t-shirt.

• WildStrong Pangbourne has teamed up with the fantastic physios at GoPerform to deliver a workshop on pelvic floor health. The workshop is open to anyone and will focus on issues affecting pelvic health, your body mechanics, alignment, and muscles imbalances and go over some some useful strengthening exercises to try at home. £25. Nov 18th at 6pm. To book, email info@wildstrong.co