We hear from WildStronger, Steph, about what drew her to come and hang about in the woods with us, week after week.
January 2021, post Christmas but not the blues. I had been active for most of my adult life in one form or another and still did regular Pilates sessions and walked the dog. I seemed to be a bit stuck and bored of gyms, pools and indoor classes. I loved cycling outdoors but not by myself and wanted to find something my husband and I could do together that wasn’t too ‘girly’.
I was beyond middle age and truly ensconced into the menopause with all sorts of aches and fatigue. My work as a children’s play therapist gave me an understanding of the mind body connection for not just physical but mental health. What was the answer? I really didn’t know but knew I needed a change. Then WildStrong popped up on my Nextdoor app…
The Mellow Session offering wasn’t a thing yet so it was in at the deep end on with a Strength & Conditioning Class. I loved the first session. My husband and I came together but within a couple of weeks my husband’s job took him to Germany Monday to Thursday, I felt a bit let down and worried about coming by myself as everyone at first glance seemed younger, fitter and stronger. I could barely lift a 6kg kettle bell! But as the weeks and months went by and we came out of the dark days of winter I became stronger and stopped judging myself against others. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. It is fun, a hugely holistic way of exercising and I met lovely people. I realised I’d regained a sense of playfulness in exercise triggering those somatic experiences of childhood of tree climbing, cartwheels, handstands and jumping over things. I did these things with my own children in my twenties and thirties and there was a lightbulb moment when I thought yes I can still do these things in my fifties and longer, with my grandchildren if I keep strong and mobile.
Wild Strong has been a powerful, proverbial kick up the back side back into meaningful exercise but most importantly for me its about connection and reconnection to parts that maybe we lose sight of; connection to self, connection of mind and body, connection to nature, connection to the seasons and connection to others.
I feel stronger in mind and body and attending sessions has been part of my survival strategy for what has been a challenging year. Thank you for the support and encouragement every single time. I am now excited to do the level 1 Coaching training.