Sarah Edwards PT

31/08/2026

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone: My Ice Bath Experience

I decided to try an ice bath.

As someone who winces getting into an indoor pool, this was a brave — perhaps slightly crazy — decision!

I’d heard about the potential benefits of cold-water immersion and, after talking to Fiona at The Chill Retreat, I was intrigued. I wanted to challenge myself, build mental resilience, support muscle recovery and explore ways of finding calm through breathwork, mindfulness and the cold.

What I didn’t expect was quite how empowering the experience would feel.

I genuinely cannot recommend The Chill Retreat enough.

Fiona’s expertise, calming presence and incredible ability to make you feel supported make the whole experience something really special. She guides you through meditation and breathwork, teaching you techniques to help regulate your breathing and stay calm as your body adjusts to the cold.

The experience is beautifully balanced, moving between the sauna and ice bath, with moments of stillness and a silent walk to help you reconnect with yourself.

Fiona is there with you throughout the ice bath, offering calm encouragement and reassurance. She has this wonderful ability to make you believe that you can do something even when every part of you is saying, “I’m not sure about this!”

And then you do it.

Standing there afterwards, looking out at the beautiful surroundings, I felt an incredible sense of achievement. I had done something that was genuinely challenging, but at the same time felt restorative for both my body and mind.

That feeling — the sense of calm, achievement and energy afterwards — was one of the biggest buzzes I’ve experienced in a long time.

If you’re considering trying an ice bath, and you’ve been medically cleared to do so, I would wholeheartedly recommend experiencing it with Fiona at The Chill Retreat.

Sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone is exactly where you find a little more strength than you realised you had.

28/04/2026

I’m excited to be starting a new class in Topsham at the Nancy Potter Centre next week!

It’s 6 week course on Tuesdays at 11am.

Please message to book in 😊

01/02/2026

2 inspirational women ( my personal gurus) giving some sound advice about female training in your 40’s plus. Worth a listen ✌️

Should women train differently as they age? In this conversation with Mel Robbins, Dr. Stacy Sims breaks down why your 20s training plan might stop working i...

07/10/2025

We all know cardiovascular exercise, where we raise our heart rate and challenge our bodies to move with more exertion is good for us.
We shouldn’t forget also that doing it regularly can significantly lower the risk of major health conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer—ultimately reducing the likelihood of premature mortality by up to 30%.

It is recommended that 150 minutes a week moderate intensity exercise can be enough to get these health benefits.
This includes exerting your heart rate at about 65-75% effort level or to the stage when conversation becomes challenging

Adding short, high-intensity intervals above 75% effort or maximal level when it becomes increasingly difficult to talk, is shown to bring further health benefits. Pushing your level of exertion causes a boost of oxygen intake and this then stimulates mitochondrial growth. Mitochondria are vital for metabolism and serve as the main source of ATP which has a positive effect of powering muscle activity and efficiency.
Although pushing yourself into hard levels of discomfort is challenging the bonus is that it’s for a short intervals and the overall session is shorter. Most importantly it’ll bring you added benefits than longer sessions of moderate exercise and the feel good factor that will keep you going.

We might know the benefits but often the biggest barrier I hear my clients come up against is finding the time for yourself to prioritise your health and well-being.
Life is busy and we all have work and family and social commitments that use up our time and energy.

I know this juggle only too well…. Last week I was very short on time to get my running training in. So I decided to use the school drop off and pick up to run with my son to and from school . It wasn’t the most focussed training in honesty but it’s real and functional training I guess!
In total I clocked up 12 miles over the week and had some fun with high intensity sprint intervals playing catch up and (mainly trying to ) overtake my son on his bike.

Cardo vascular exercise doesn’t have to be in a gym or exercise class if that is not your thing or you don’t feel you have the time to get to a gym or place to exercise.
If you are short on time, then think about how exercise can fit into your daily routines or home life .

Remember something is better than nothing.
The small steps and bits of effort lead to the bigger things, when you pick up healthy habits these can be life changing.

Is there a journey you could substitute the car for going on foot or bike?
Could you squeeze some activity in during your lunch break or before or after work?
Maybe there are some stairs you could use to do some high intensity intervals?

If you are looking for ideas to get started or support being creative planning some exercise and movement into your lifestyle then get in touch, I’d love to help.

31/08/2025

Today I completed my first ultramarathon🤩

It’s been a goal I’ve had my heart set on for some time so worked hard over the year to make it happen today .

As a say to my clients, set a goal that is meaningful to you and put all your energy into achieving that.

Not everyone will understand your goal but focus on your aim and let other people focus on theirs.

I ran the ultra not for an amazing time. It was all about the endurance, pushing myself way past my limits of what I feel comfortable with and keep going , sitting with feelings of discomfort to reach the finish line .

I’m so pleased and proud of myself that I completed the run.

It also reminded me of a few valuable life lessons and thoughts that kept me going !

⭐️ Gratitude for the people who show you unwaivering love and support .
My family supporting me and Sarah’s welcome surprise when I got home . The team of people I ran really kept me going .

⭐️Reminding yourself it’s ok to be vulnerable and let people help me .
One amazing runner today talked me round when I was very nearly ready to drop out of the full distance . If I hadn’t opened up and let her help me , I probably would have .

⭐️Remember the beautiful place we live in and take in the view.

⭐️Running / life is sometimes hard , but difficult feelings will pass.
Running reminds me to keep putting one foot in foot of the other.
Also to keep working hard and showing up for yourself to make the things you want in your life happen , you’ll get there 😊

13/05/2025

I’m so happy to share my new website for my business !
Please feel free to share 😊

https://www.fitnesstothecore.online

It’s been on my to do list for 2 years but got there in the end 😊

Thanks to my amazing clients who continue to be an absolute honour to work with and support compiling this.
Thanks also to Paula for your awesome photography skills and time .

Highly recommend Alix Kelman for web design .

https://www.kelmanmedia.co.uk/about

Fit to the Core are dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our personalised training programs are designed to enhance muscular strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and develop core strength through Pilates expertise. We are committed to providing s...

23/03/2025

21/03/2025

Arthur’s training for his charity run is going well.
He learnt some important lessons about pacing as it was his first experience of a longer distance run .
I’m proud of his resilience to try again and improve 💪. Have you tried Park Run?
Are you looking to start running on your own or with your family and not sure where to begin ? Or would you like to improve your stamina or running performance ? I’d love to help you find running for a good time in whatever that level is to you !