From Humble Acorns

At the risk of telling a sad story like they do on the X Factor, I want people to know just how much it means to be nominated, let alone win an award like the Muddy Stilettos Best Fitness Instructor in Essex award.

My story and my love of fitness instructing truly began when I did my first exercise and fitness unit as part of my Sports Science degree at Loughborough University. I loved it, I was hooked and wanted to tell anyone that would listen what a difference they could make to their health and shape by following some principles (and I did, ha ha.) That same first year, I was asked by a lecturer if I would volunteer and help out at the prestigious FitPro fitness convention. The incentive was free kit, so as a student, it was a no-brainer – win win! That first day, helping sell their stock on the FitPro stand, I was totally inspired seeing and hearing the very best in the industry teach, in fact I remember them teaching this revolutionary exercise called the plank! Yep, it was over 20 years ago that this move first came out! Seeing the best instructors in the industry and hundreds of instructors learning, doing their continuous professional development training was fantastic. I’d always loved being active but little did I know, that one day, fitness would not only be what saved me, but what would enable me to help other women live their best lives.

Graduation to Director of a Community Interest Company

I completed my degree and went on to work in the Leisure, Health and Fitness industry in a number of capacities; working at local authority and county level; in the public sector, private sector and then finally the third sector; where I became a Director of an award-winning Community Interest Company (CIC).

Over the years, I worked in very affluent areas, including a top private health club in Chiswick, as well as some of the most deprived areas of Southwark and Essex. What has struck me throughout my career, is that regardless of your income, your health is your wealth. If you don’t have that, you don’t have anything. I always knew I wanted to help people, regardless of their background, to a find a sustainable way to improve their health and wellbeing.

I had 10 very happy years delivering programmes, which helped individuals and communities realize their potential (with the CIC). I delivered practical fitness classes alongside managing projects and I always loved the people connection part of my work.

Unfortunately, as a result of austerity and the associated funding pressures which squeezed our Community Interest Company, a decision was made to fold the business and my fellow directors retired. I was truly devastated and then became incredibly low. Suddenly the confident and happy woman I had been, was gone. I was a mum of a young son and didn’t feel equipped to run a business all by myself. I then started to doubt all my skills and abilities and effectively crumbled. I’m truly thankful to my friends and family who were so supportive and kind and listened as I numbly wondered what I was going to do. 

The Beginning of a Beginners Running Group

Then one day, whilst out running I thought, I know, I will offer to help women get into running, and do it for free. I was so scared I wasn’t good enough anymore that this seemed like a good, as well as safe, thing to do. If I wasn’t any good I told myself, it didn’t matter, as they weren’t paying! I also knew from my years of work and study, that when you feel low / not in a good place, doing something for others is the best thing you can do for your mental wellbeing. What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. What started with 2 women, grew to over 50 and over the course of a couple of years, I was delivering weekly sessions, as well as multiple fitness classes and wellbeing courses in community halls. 

The classes came about as someone had asked, ‘I love your running group and want to do more with you, do you teach anything else?’ Julie, without you asking me this, NaturallyFit4Life would never have become what it is now. I had a committed tribe of ‘Wellbeing Warriors’ as they became known and new clients that I met on a weekly basis. I worked with some amazing women to deliver a free, International Women’s Day wellbeing event for over 100 women. I felt good, in fact, I felt better than ever, teaching others to live their best lives and getting them more active. And then it all stopped again. This time no-one could have predicted it – COVID arrived!

Navigating the Storm

It was an awful time for so many and I don’t for a moment think that I had it worse than others –  we were all in the same storm but not in the same boat. Effectively all my work ground to a halt. No hall would open, no venue was accessible to use, even the parks were off limits. Not long after that my husband was made redundant. Talk about an emotional roller coaster! However, every cloud has a silver lining and what I lack, my husband has in bucket-loads … i.e. technical know-how!! (Since then David has a new job which he loves so much and with brilliant people to work with!) So with his encouragement and once again my fabulous family support, lots of lost sleep and stress and fear, I took the plunge into the unknown and joined the rest of the fitness industry, by delivering classes via Zoom. What followed was truly incredible. I connected with all my old clients but better still, new ones, across the county and then even further afield including Scotland and Ireland. I loved this new way of teaching and now it enables me to extend my offer of services and reach even more people. 

Creating New Ways to Connect

In January 2022, I delivered my first course for the national charity, MS-UK.  It was called ‘Healthy Habits 4 Life’ and I designed it to inform and support women with MS across the country to live healthier and happier lives. Further courses for MS-UK will follow.  Now, learning to live with Covid and resuming normality, I’m still providing my fitness and wellbeing classes via Zoom, but I am also back delivering my free women’s only beginners running classes. I am committed to doing this, as it’s where I started. It made such a difference to me and I know it helps others too.  That’s what we all need; a little support, a smiling face and some encouragement to keep going. Networking and connecting women is central to everything I do and running groups are a great way to facilitate this. Just the other day, one participant told me that she went for a run with some of the other women she had befriended on the course and has now made some new friends and planned to do it again – it was to be her time for her! This made me so happy to hear. I know that’s all it takes, just that first step.

Award Winner!

When I was nominated for the Muddy Stiletto award, I was genuinely flattered – it meant so much that someone would think highly enough of me to nominate me. To then make it to the final was a huge compliment and meant that what I do really did mean a lot, as people were taking the time to vote for me not just once, but twice. What I do makes difference to them – it matters. It helps them in some way.

So, to win Best Fitness Instructor in Essex, the honour is huge. I am truly grateful to all those who held my hand and cheered me on when I needed it and I am so proud to continue to do that in return for every person, especially women, that needs it back! Thank you @Muddy Stilettos for this recognition and thank you everyone that voted for me. It truly does mean the world.