In the constantly buzzing world, there is beauty in looking forward, especially when it's toward something as inevitable as aging. In the chaos of work, family and social life, not to mention the relentless pursuit of 'having it all,' I've embarked on maybe a bit of an unconventional journey: training for my old lady body. And guess what? It’s pretty damn liberating. Let me tell you why.
Read MoreIn today’s whirlwind life, it feels like we're constantly being pulled in a million directions, doesn’t it? Juggling work, family, and all those expectations society sneakily slips into our bags—it's a lot. But guess what? You can totally handle this and still find moments of joy and peace for yourself.
Read MoreAs we gear up for International Women's Day 2024, with its pretty awesome theme 'InspireInclusion,' we're taking a moment to spotlight the heart and soul of our gym – diversity and inclusion! Imagine our gym as a giant, colourful party where everyone’s invited: no matter your colour, ethnicity, gender identity, age, or background. If you love moving and improving, you’re in the right place. Let's dive into how we're making every session an inclusive bash!
Read MoreWhen 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 MorePregnancy is a powerful journey, and for those of you crushing it in the gym, we salute you. Now, let's dive into the topic that's been buzzing – the low-lying placenta. Advice is conflicting, people are telling you to basically lie down and not move, ever but you don’t want to give up training, we get it! We can’t give you medical advice and you should ALWAYS consult your health care provider and a reputable coach (that’s us!) when navigating complexities related to your pregnancy but fear not friends, we have worked with many, many pregnant people in your position and we want to share some of the things that work for us.
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.
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