07/03/2024
Embracing Change: Transitioning from Professional Running to Weightlifting was the best thing I could do for my body and mind 💚💜
As a former professional runner, my life was once consumed by the rhythm of pounding pavement and the pursuit of faster times. Every step was a beat in the symphony of competition, pushing my body to its limits. I did it for over 15 years!
After being qualified as a PT in my 20’s I kept giving my clients mainly HIIT seeing it as the best (now I realise, just really the sweatiest) way of loosing weight.
However, as I entered my 30’s, a subtle shift began to occur within me—a shift that would ultimately lead me away from these high impact activities towards the weights!🏋️
The transition from running to weightlifting was not a sudden epiphany, but rather a gradual evolution fuelled by a combination of factors.
One of the primary catalysts for this change was the realisation that my body was no longer able to withstand the relentless demands of running & jumping! Years of pounding the pavement had taken their toll, resulting in chronic injuries and diminishing returns. It became increasingly clear that if I wanted to continue leading an active lifestyle well into my later years, I needed to find a more sustainable form of exercise.
Enter weightlifting—a discipline that not only offered a reprieve from the repetitive strain of running but also presented an entirely new set of physical and mental challenges. 🔥
Whereas running had primarily focused on cardiovascular endurance, weightlifting introduced me to the world of strength, power, and functional movement. The prospect of sculpting my physique through targeted resistance training was undeniably appealing, and I eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore this new frontier.
I found myself drawn to the intricacies of technique, the thrill of setting new personal records, and the sense of empowerment that came from progressively challenging my body in the gym.
Seeing all of the benefits of weightlifting for women my age I started introducing it to my female clients making them stronger, fitter and slimmer than ever before. It introduced me to a community of like-minded individuals who shared my enthusiasm for strength training. Together, we celebrated victories, supported each other through setbacks, and fostered a sense of camaraderie that transcended the confines of the gym
Beyond the physical benefits, weightlifting has also had a profound impact on my mental and emotional well-being. In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, the simplicity of lifting weights provided a welcome respite—a chance to quiet the mind, focus on the present moment, and cultivate a deeper connection with my body.
Thanks to weightlifting , my clients now discover a newfound sense of self-confidence, resilience, and inner strength that permeated every aspect of their life.
Looking back on my journey from professional running to weightlifting, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the experiences gained along the way. While running will always hold a special place in my heart💜🫶, I am grateful for the opportunity to have found a new passion in weightlifting and that I’m able to open the world of opportunities it brings to me and my clients
As I continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of fitness and self-discovery, especially approaching the MENOPAUSE STAGE myslef 🤯 I am reminded of the importance of embracing change, following my passions, and never being afraid to forge a new path, no matter where it may lead.
