Women are often bombarded with the message that in order to be fit and healthy you have to look a certain way.This series aims to challenge the accepted norms of what it means to be a ‘strong woman’ and celebrate the brilliant, diverse women who are achieving incredible things.is 54, a paddleboard enthusiast and all-round outdoor fitness lover. She learnt to surf in her 50s after menopausal symptoms gave her serious anxiety and knocked her confidence.
Getting wet, getting muddy, the sun on my back, the wind in my face. The quietly bubbling river and roar of the waves, the birds swooping overhead and the lambs bleating on the hills.The people I smile and chat to along the way and also the opportunity to be alone. Disconnected from the constant chatter of the world, yet deeply connected to my soul and my surroundings.Big sea and moorland views, and tiny details as I notice a ladybird on a leaf.
I love knowing that right there, in those moments, I am completely me – mother, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, beach cleaner, Jo, 54, and herself again.I feel nourished and calmer and at the same more alive.Doing my two-minute litter picks each day adds an extra dimension to my exercise.It’s now become a habit. It feeds my soul as well as helps me stretch! It’s part of my own ‘wheel of wellbeing’ and my day feels a bit off if I haven’t done it.
I’m also committed to making a contribution to my family, environmental issues and my community, and I need to be fit to do all that. Things like: “You must do this or this will happen.” “Make sure you do resistance training or you’ll lose muscle mass and bone density.” “Exercise to lose weight and get rid of your muffin top and bingo wings ladies!”Maybe if we focused on joy, confidence, friendship, accomplishment, enjoying our bodies as we are and being curious about what we might be able to do one day, it might all be a bit more appealing.