When we think of exercise, many of us picture intense gym sessions, sweat-drenched HIIT workouts, or gruelling CrossFit classes. While these activities undoubtedly have their merits, there's one form of exercise that often goes underappreciated and undervalued: walking. Yes, you read that right – walking! In this blog post, we're going to explore why walking is such an underrated form of exercise and why it deserves a place in your fitness routine.
Read MoreIn the fast-paced and ever-changing world we live in, anxiety and stress have become unwelcome companions for many of us. The pressures of work, relationships, and life in general are overwhelming. The NHS is on it’s knees, there isn’t a whole lot of support out there and we are collectively struggling which makes peer support harder to come by. So how do we find the power to transform fear into fearlessness and take control of our mental well-being?
Read MoreLast month we talked about foods that can help you become strong AF. And if you’ve been following our blog for a while you’ll know that protein is a big important macro nutrient for strength and recovery and typically it’s something that a lot of women struggle to get enough of in their diets, this can be even harder if you follow a plant-based diet. So this one is for you our plant eating friends - read on to find out how you can hit that all important protein target!
Read MoreAs we reach the end of January, I'm sure you've been bombarded with messages urging you to "get back to it" and embrace the "new year, new you" mindset. Personally, my transition into the new year has been pretty gradual, and it's only now that I truly feel prepared to embark on the year ahead. If you're experiencing a similar sentiment, rest assured - you're not alone.
Read MoreIt’s January and diet culture is out in full force. This week alone I have seen at least 30 posts about how to “get in shape for the new year” and the frustrating thing is that most of them have piggybacked on “self-love” or “intuitive eating” In order to pretend they aren’t promoting a toxic diet message. The thing is - being slim might be something you think will make you feel good BUT tell me, what good is a slim body going to do if you are weakened from starving yourself? How much life will you be able to enjoy if you are as fatigued from grueling exercise classes and a lack of nutrients? For so long we have been told to get smaller and we’ll feel better and we are calling TIME on that narrative. We want you to feel strong, empowered, and like your badass self, and starving yourself is not going to make that happen. So in a world telling you what not to eat, here’s a breath of fresh air - a blog all about the amazing things food can do for you:
Read MoreBody neutrality, to me, is like a warm hug for the soul. It's about embracing and accepting our bodies without the constant pressure to love or hate them. It's recognizing that our worth extends far beyond physical appearance, transcending societal expectations. With that in mind, BN helps us to detach from our bodies as our whole sense of worth. The reality is - bodies change, they eb and flow with our lives and if we buy into the toxicity of the fitness industry which hooks us on believing that we are at our happiest when our bodies are smallest then how do we cope when illness, injury, age, or just general life gets in the way of all the things we have to do to maintain that body size?
Read MoreIn the heart of winter, there's something oddly stunning about embracing the chill. Just like a chilly dip in a loch, facing the cold head-on can be invigorating. Wrap up in your coziest layers, take a deep breath, and let the crisp air do its magic. I actually think we get a bit more dry sun in the winter than we sometimes do in the summer so if it’s light - get yourself outside, even if it’s just for a walk round the block!
Read MoreThe "New Year, New Me" mantra often comes with a set of unrealistic expectations and pressures. It implies that our current selves are somehow inadequate and need a complete overhaul. But here's the truth: You are enough as you are. Resolutions born from self-criticism rarely lead to sustainable change. It's time to redefine the narrative.
Read MoreOn this Christmas Day, let's shine a light on the stories of remarkable women who have used their voices to make a difference. Picture Malala Yousafzai, the young activist advocating for girls' education globally, or Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and ignited the Civil Rights Movement.
These women remind us that activism comes in many forms, and each voice, no matter how small, has the potential to create waves of positive change. As we exchange gifts and share meals with loved ones, let's also celebrate the gift of gratitude and recognize the power of our voices to shape a more just and compassionate world.
Read MoreEver notice how picking up a paintbrush or putting pen to paper can feel like a burst of fresh air for your mind? The connection between creative expression and mental well-being is nothing short of magical.
Creating art is a form of release. It's a way to externalize what's inside, making space for new thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. Whether it's painting, writing, or dancing, the act of creation can be therapeutic, providing an avenue for processing feelings and fostering self-discovery.
Read MoreWinter can be tough. The days get shorter, the nights get longer, and it can feel like the cold is seeping into our bones. It's not just about surviving; it's about thriving. And that's where self-care steps in like a superhero. Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a lifeline. It's the practice of intentionally taking time for yourself to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In the winter, when the world outside might feel a bit dreary, self-care becomes our secret weapon.
Read MoreLet's strip it down. Winter isn't all fun and games. The dark, cold days can mess with our mood and energy levels. You're not alone if the lack of sunlight makes you feel like hibernating. Then there's the pressure cooker of holiday preparations, and let's not even start on family dynamics.
But guess what? We're all in this together. And when we stand side by side, that's when the magic happens.
Sisterhood isn't just a word; it's a revolution. It's the bond you share with your fiercest friends, the love you find in your chosen family, and the connection you build within your communities. It's the belief that together, we are a force of nature.
In the spirit of feminism and intersectionality, we're here to shout it from the rooftops - we're stronger when we join hands and hearts. Sharing our experiences, our stories, and our feelings is a game-changer. Together, we can transform the winter blues into an opportunity for personal growth and empowerment.
Read MoreToday, we're embracing the incredible power of community and support! We are celebrating the inspiring women, including some well-known figures, who've found strength in unity. The SLAM Revolution is in full swing, and we're inviting you to be a part of this empowering movement. As the great Maya Angelou once said, "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color." When women come together, we weave a beautiful tapestry of inspiration and empowerment. We inspire each other to reach new heights, cheering for every step of the journey.
Read MoreToday, we're delving deep into the profound mind-body connection that strength training offers. Beyond the visible physical changes, lifting weights can be a transformation of your mental and emotional well-being. It's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, and I want to take you even deeper into the world of emotional and mental benefits that transcend societal beauty ideals.
Read MoreToday, we're delving deeper into the myths surrounding women and weightlifting. It's time to challenge these misconceptions and explore the health benefits that go beyond conventional beauty standards.
At SLAM we want to debunk these myths and help you to embrace the empowering health benefits of strength training. It's not about conforming to societal standards or superficial ideals. It's about prioritizing our health and happiness, both physically and mentally.
Read MoreYou see, for far too long, society has tried to place us in neat little boxes, telling us what we "should" and "shouldn't" do. From what we wear, how we look, and even to the weight we lift (or don’t), there's a long list of expectations that have been handed down to us.
But here's the thing: those expectations aren't ours to carry. They're not your truth. They're not my truth. They're just heavy burdens that have held us back from reaching our full potential.
How many times have you hesitated before stepping into the weight room at the gym, wondering if it was the right place for you? I've been there too. It's natural to have those moments of self-doubt, thanks to the voices that have whispered in our ears since we were little girls. But those voices are wrong.
Today, I want to invite you to question those expectations and to let go of the limitations that society tries to place on us. We're not here to conform; we're here to transform.
Read MoreAs the air turns crisp and leaves paint the world in shades of gold and crimson, the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain beckons us to step into a world where the veil between realms is at its thinnest. Samhain, pronounced "sow-in," is a time to honor our ancestors, embrace the mysteries of life and death, and partake in a tapestry of magical traditions that have been passed down through generations. In this blog, we'll delve into the enchanting world of Samhain traditions, from divination and spellcasting to creating altars and crafting potent potions, to help you enhance your celebration.
Read MoreThe pages of history are tainted with tales of persecution, and one of the darkest chapters involves the witch hunts that swept through Europe and colonial America from the 15th to the 18th century. Thousands of women were accused of witchcraft, subjected to horrifying trials, and often executed. Beyond the obvious atrocities, this persecution left behind a lingering scar, one that has come to be known as the "sister wound”
Read MoreThe history of witchcraft in Scotland is a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in the annals of our nation's past. While it may conjure images of broomsticks and cauldrons, the reality of Scotland's witch trials and the persecution of alleged witches is a deeply important and somber part of our history. Understanding this history is not just a matter of academic interest; it holds critical lessons and insights for future generations. In this blog, we will explore why the history of witchcraft in Scotland is so important for those who will come after us.
Read MoreThe moon has been a silent witness to the ebb and flow of human existence, its phases mirroring the ever-changing rhythms of life. For women, in particular, the moon has held a profound and intimate connection throughout the ages. As we approach Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, it is the perfect time to explore this celestial bond and the empowering influence of lunar phases on the feminine spirit.
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