This morning I posted a photo of my bright red, make-up-free, sweaty face after a treadmill session.
I did it on purpose.
I want more women to see this and feel free to move without worrying how they look. And I want our young girls to see it too, because this is what exercise actually looks like. Not the polished, filtered version that floods our feeds.
I’ve gone beetroot red every time I’ve exercised since I was at school. After lunchtime netball, I’d sit through the whole afternoon looking like I’d been boiled.
And I was never the best player. I was a sub on the bench for years, and I only got into the team in my fourth year because so many other girls had dropped out by then. I kept turning up because I loved playing netball, and because my parents were always active and made movement feel normal for me and my sister.
I’m so grateful for that.
I completely understand why girls stop. The red face. The sweat. Worrying that you smell, with no shower, or a communal one where nobody wants to get undressed. Periods. Sore boobs when you run. Comments from boys. Worrying about what everyone thinks. It all adds up, and it’s easier to sit it out.
But movement is one of the best things we can do for our bodies and our minds. We’d never dream of skipping the dog’s walk, because we know they need it for more than a toilet stop.
We need it too.
So if you’re the girl who stopped, or the mum of one who’s stopping, it’s not too late and it’s not your fault. You don’t need to be fit, sporty or confident. You just need somewhere to start that feels safe.
If you’d like a hand with that, I’d love to help. In my 1:1 sessions and classes I guide you step by step, so every move is done properly and you feel confident rather than lost. I believe movement is for everyone, not just the ‘sporty types’.
Get in touch if you’ve got a question, want to chat about where to begin, or are ready to book a 60-minute Movement, Strength & Confidence session.
Movement is Freedom💛
Love Rhi x