Hi all,
I hope you are enjoying the joys of spring as life leaps forth from its winter dormancy.
One of the things I wanted to talk to you about today is the joy and benefit of moving outdoors. Recently, I have decided to do more work with people outside, helping them move better and feel better in their bodies. There is something deeply nourishing about connecting with ourselves among ancient trees and green spaces. We know that spending time in nature can help us feel calmer, more grounded, and more connected, and I have seen that reflected again and again in my own life and in my work with others.
When I first got into exercise at 26, it was all about looking good and building muscle. Now, having just turned 50, it is much more about feeling good and hopefully looking okay too! My work as a hands-on therapist and exercise instructor has taught me so much about how to support wellbeing in both mind and body. Rather than beasting myself with a high-intensity workout and only enjoying the endorphins afterwards, I now find it much more helpful to pace myself and enjoy the softer afterglow of a body that feels calm, alive, and well.
This is one of the reasons I will soon be offering gentle outdoor movement sessions in parks around South Birmingham. These sessions will be for people who want a kinder, more enjoyable way to move and reconnect with themselves. They may be especially helpful for those who feel put off by gyms, are returning to movement after injury, stress, or burnout, or simply want to feel better in their body without pressure or intensity.
The sessions will include gentle exercise, grounding, breath awareness, mindful walking, playful movement, and simple creative activities that can bring more ease, joy, and connection into both mind and body. There will also be some one-to-one support available, but my main focus will be on creating small, welcoming groups where people can move at their own pace and feel supported.
Although these sessions may feel supportive and nourishing, they are not counselling or psychotherapy. They are gentle movement-based sessions, with a focus on grounding, connection with nature, and helping people feel more at ease in their bodies.
One of the things many people tell me in my sessions is how much they enjoy my humour, so I wanted these outdoor sessions to include that too. I will be exploring fun and playful ways of helping people move, while also creating space for laughter. Laughter can do so much for our quality of life, and movement does not have to be serious or boring to be meaningful.
You do not need to be fit, flexible, or experienced to join. These sessions will be gentle, accessible, and adaptable to different abilities. My years of experience in understanding injuries mean that I can also support people who might normally feel anxious about joining a class or worry that they will not be able to keep up.
Let’s talk a little more about the joys of outdoor movement.
The sky, always changing moment by moment, is a wonderful thing to gaze at while lying down and doing some gentle stretches. It reminds us of the ever-changing nature of life and of ourselves. Old trees offer shelter, steadiness, and a sense of support. Water invites us to connect with flow and movement in our own bodies. The breeze against the skin can feel like a gentle reminder of the movement both outside and within us. Flowers brighten our mood and bring colour into our day. Animals going about their daily lives can inspire us too: swans, elegant and strong; squirrels, busy and determined; bees moving from flower to flower; the heron, patient and still.
There are so many wonderful sights, sounds, and smells to enjoy when moving outdoors. For some people, this can feel far more supportive than the gym environment, which may be full of mirrors, noise, and music that does not always help us feel at ease.
I love the expression spacious and gracious. Gyms do not always offer that, but nature often can. When we are feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or a little low, these spacious environments can be exactly what we need. Holding small groups in nature is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I would love to help people feel calmer, more connected to their bodies, and able to have some fun along the way.
If this sounds like something you might enjoy, I would love to hear from you. You are very welcome to get in touch and register your interest. I will be sharing more details about these gentle outdoor movement sessions in South Birmingham soon.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and that you can find some outdoor activities this spring that help you feel brighter, calmer, and more connected.