Humans are really good at justifying things to themselves. Like telling yourself it's okay to buy that new jacket because, really, you've spent very little money on makeup recently, or convincing yourself that you'll sort out your internet banking later when in reality you know it'll never happen.
It's the same with exercise. You will always, always be able to find a reason not to exercise: it's too cold outside, it's too early, you don't have the right kit... the list goes on.
We spoke to three women from this year's This Girl Can campaign – all of whom had totally understandable excuses for swerving their workouts – but who chose not to let that get in their way. From not having the funds for the gym, to working unpredictable hours, to having an actual baby growing inside them, here's how three women refused to let the tough stuff get between them and feeling their best.
Oyenike a.k.a. Nikki (shown swimming in a pool in the film)
Nikki’s love of athletics disappeared at university, and it became a lot harder to find people to exercise with. Now in full-time work and pregnant with her first child, she is finding that her baby is her biggest motivator to get her back exercising. She’s currently learning to swim, teaching herself from YouTube tutorials. She finds swimming helps put her mind at rest and makes her feel like she is doing the very best she can for the health of her baby. "Find something you love and stick with it. It’s even better if you can find friends or family who will exercise with you and motivate you along the way."
I have always been fairly active in my life, but having recently become pregnant I wanted to be in the best possible shape both for my health and that of the baby.
There are lots of gyms around and they are all competing; it is mostly the packages that come with the gym offers/classes [that are really expensive]. But there are lots of schemes around that try to get people fit and involved in sports activities – you just need to look out for them. If you have a look around you should be able to find a good gym/class that suits your fitness needs.
Fitness clothes can also be expensive, especially when you want the right fit, and you do find yourself forking out a lot of money. Personally though, I do not feel pressured into buying pricey leggings as I buy what is within my budget.
I go to Zumba twice a week and swimming. Being pregnant I try to do what I can to ensure I am not putting too much stress on myself, as the exercise has to accommodate my growing bump.
After exercising it makes me feel really good and stress-free, very relaxed. I think it’s also good for my sanity! Also, it is great just being able to go out and socialize with different people, enjoying nice moderate exercise.
What I would say to women looking to start exercising but worrying that they can't is GO FOR IT! It is easier said than done, but you have to keep pushing at it and once you see the results you will feel amazing and confident within yourself. No matter what, love yourself and do what is best for you.
Ella
Gym memberships and fitness classes were simply too expensive for full-time nanny Ella, and she was searching for a way to fit exercise into her busy life. She purchased a Hula-Hoop from a charity shop, and this helped her rediscover her love for exercise. She now uses her hoop to work out whenever she can at home, fitting her activity around her work and social life. She even sometimes gets the kids involved. "It’s a matter of slotting it into your existing life, not changing your life to accommodate being active."
I am a full-time nanny but have to fit other work in when I can as it’s not fantastic pay. I had to stop going to gyms as I couldn’t afford it. I think more recently, keeping fit and going to classes is seen as a trend, and when something is on trend the prices always go up.
And it's not just the price of the gym membership. You see all these adverts online and on TV for these 'cheap deals' on workout clothes, yet they’re way out of my price range and that of most people I know. When you see gym adverts, you see these tiny ladies in tiny, tight clothes. This makes you feel if you don’t look like that and have those clothes, you shouldn’t be in the gym.
I think that exercising is way too expensive these days. I’ve found Hula-Hooping works for me as it was a one-off payment (for the hoop), but that doesn’t work for everyone. Sorting equipment, memberships, classes and clothing all adds up and overall it is not affordable to real women.
So yes, my solution is that I Hula-Hoop around the house in my spare time. I also find going out and dancing is a great way to keep fit. I find exercise easier to fit in as and when I can. And I'm glad I do because working out makes you feel fantastic! Not only does it make you feel physically refreshed and energized, but mentally it puts you in a positive frame of mind. Personally, it helps me think more clearly. It makes me feel happy. Whenever I’m feeling a little down or just have nothing to do, it’s a great way to pick yourself back up and have some fun.
If gyms are out of your price range too, then find something that works for you. It doesn’t have to cost anything or take up too much time. Even if it’s doing a few star jumps in front of the telly every now and again, you’ll feel better for it.
Gill
Gill was always picked last in school sports and was never really into exercise when she was at school and uni. When she took on an unpredictable career with shifts and late nights, her mental health and relationships became more of a struggle. Adding a bit of exercise into her busy work life, and maintaining her responsibilities as a super aunty, has made a huge difference to Gill. Her mantra is "you only have one life, grab every opportunity to live it well!"
I'm a technical services manager in the food and drink industry, looking after food safety and compliance. I was really struggling without exercise – I had a job where I was working away full-time, travelling the world, living out of a suitcase, and found that every season I had to buy a new wardrobe and I started to get more and more uncomfortable in airplane seats.
So now I exercise. I do it outdoors as much as possible; my favourite is sea swimming and water-based activities but I also do plain old walking, cycling, jogging when injuries allow and I’ve even been known to do the odd circus skills class.
I try to set dates and times but don’t have a specific routine as work is so unpredictable, so I allow myself some flexibility in my planning, making sure to keep some days and times strict so I keep hold of the 'me time' I’d let go for so many years!
I do find it really, really hard to motivate myself before workouts but I do it for the joy I feel afterwards. When I come out of the sea I feel a literal buzz as all my systems are racing full speed. I feel alive, as if I can feel life forces flowing through my veins. The endorphins and other feelgood hormones make me feel like I can do anything at all, I feel like a new person.
I’ve met so many wonderful and varied people through sea swimming that I’d never cross paths with in normal life; in the water you skip the small talk and go straight to what’s real. I’ve made closer friends with people in the sea in a 30-minute session than I have in my 39 years of living – I guess there’s no judgement, no inner critic and no second-guessing what the other person is thinking. Plus all you really need is a swimsuit and a towel, which most people have, or a cheap wetsuit or a loan of one… And you only have to go as far or as deep and for as long as you’re comfortable and not a single person will question or judge, they'll just give gentle support, advice and encouragement where you want or need it.
Just try and do a little bit [of exercise] each day. Whether it’s getting off the bus a stop early or parking your car at the back of the car park and walking further to the door of the supermarket, it all counts and it will help. Try and get out and about in nature or your local park and have a walk, commit to eating lunch away from your desk at work, use your breaks to go for a walk with colleagues. If you struggle to get motivated on your own then have a look online, Facebook and Twitter are great places to find local groups or national organizations which can help you find places to go and do free activities.
Make yourself a mini goal to do something different and hold yourself accountable or share it with a friend. The day I first went to the sea swimming group, I nearly turned around and drove home as I didn’t feel I’d be good enough. But my mental health and body image have improved so much by doing this and dropping those cares. I was in a dark place and this has helped me so much, I can’t put it in words.
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