I have quite a varied experience of fitness. Because of the waxing and waning of my health and energy limiting conditions, fitness has meant many different things. When I was younger, I saw fitness of how far I could run, how far I could throw or how fast I could swim.
Growing up playing sports at a competitive level definitely warped my view of how varied the meanings of fitness can truly be.
As I got older and my health changed, I had to find different ways to move.
For me, fitness is simply finding a way to move that makes me feel happy. I still play sports to a high level- I play division 1 women’s football- but at times my health does not cooperate, and what makes me happy can be stretching in the morning, cooking a favourite meal or tidying a space in my house. All of these count as movement, and the reward of getting a task done probably sets off more happy endorphins in my brain. Simply getting out of bed in the morning can be fitness.
Since working with Get Yourself Active and Disability Rights UK, I have come to meet an even more diverse range of people and here the varied ways people describe fitness – in turn, my view of fitness has become more diverse too.
My favourite way to get active is going for a walk. I like to explore new places in the neighbourhood and overanalyse the intricacies of nature. The mindfulness and movement definitely help me with my mental health! When I am feeling well, I love playing football and handball. I grew up playing football and love team sports. I find doing anything with other people can become a motivating factor and helps me to feel happier when I move.
