Londoner Afsaneh Parvizi-Wayne, 56, founder of natural period-care brand Freda, was a keen Parkrunner who relished “getting fit in a very social way” with her friends, but hasn’t attended since before the pandemic. “I lost that part of my life during lockdowns and now I get up later on a Saturday and walk my dogs instead,” she says. “I have found it difficult to get back into it. When you’re a midlife woman, with lots going on, it takes a lot of self-discipline to make exercise a regular part of your life.”
Claire Gleave, a 42-year-old Cotswolds-based mother of three young children, tells a similar tale. Running her maternity activewear brand Natal Active during lockdown while homeschooling “finished me off in terms of making time for fitness”. Despite being a lifelong sporty type – she’s even run an ultramarathon – she’s still struggling to workout. “If I can fall out of the habit, anyone can,” she says. “What I massively notice is the impact on my mood – I am more irritable and lack enthusiasm. And my eating is worse. It’s like, in for a penny, in for a pound, I may as well hit the biscuit tin.”
On first glance, it may seem puzzling that more people weren’t spurred on by the pandemic to become more active and fitter. As the horror progressed, it became increasingly clear that there was a link between obesity-related conditions (diabetes, heart disease) and an increased risk of severe Covid symptoms. One NHS study found that obese people who caught Covid were twice as likely to die than those of a normal weight. But things aren’t that simple. “We do need to address healthier lifestyles and tackle obesity, but that isn’t a massive driver for people to get and stay active,” says Dale.
“It can actually make people feel worse about themselves. The key is to focus on the immediate emotional benefits of activity – how it makes you feel. Campaigns need to show people of all backgrounds, ages, shapes and size having a good time getting active.”
Dale is optimistic that things will get better. “There’s never been more conversations around the role of activity in people’s lives. The pandemic meant people made that link between physical and mental health and how activity supports both. That’s really positive and there’s a bigger appetite than ever to bring about meaningful change.”
Meanwhile, 75,750 Parkrun newbies have completed their first run this year, points out Chrissie Wellington, Parkrun’s global head of health and wellbeing. “We are committed to understanding and minimising as many barriers to participation as possible so that Parkrun can continue to be a safe, inclusive space for everyone to get active, no matter their age, ability or background,” she says. Parents can do their part by both modelling active behaviour to their children, as well as showing them the full range of options available – there really is something for everyone. If they’re not into rugby how about skateboarding? It’s an equally valid option.
And this is about more than the personal benefits we reap from being active, says Rogan.
“Getting people moving saves money for our health system. Every £1 spent on community sport and physical activity generates nearly £4 for the economy and society, including large savings for health and social care through the prevention of serious physical and mental- health conditions. It can help level up our communities.” Forget clapping for the NHS, you can do it a bigger favour by taking up yoga, walking, football or paddleboarding.
Thwarted marathon runner Paterson, meanwhile, has finally “started to get my mojo back”. She’s losing weight, enlisted the help of a PT and started having fun “just moving – I did a video tutorial on how to breakdance. And I ran my first 10k since before the pandemic last week. I can’t believe how much fitness and strength I’ve lost, but it made me remember how much I loved it. I got home and cried – I had such a sense of release and relief. And I’ve decided I’m doing the Berlin Marathon later this year.” It’s never too late to find your way back to fitness.
Five steps to getting motivated again
By Kate Dale, Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign leader
- Many people have fallen out of the habit, but we can rebuild that habit in a low-pressure way. Think about what exercise you used to do and how great it made you feel when you were in the groove. What are the small steps you can take to get back into it? If you did Parkrun, you could just turn up and watch next week, then go from there.
- This is a great time to try a new activity because everyone is finding their feet. We’re all beginners again so let’s embrace that. You’re not going to arrive at a new class and find that everyone is streets ahead of you.
- There’s no one way to be active – do whatever floats your boat and puts a smile on your face. So many women tell me they hate running but that’s fine – do something else. I really missed wedding discos during the lockdowns, so I’m trying out dance classes.
- If you try an activity and don’t like it, that’s OK. Just make your excuses and leave. I tried Zumba once and it was just making me more stressed after a stressful day, so I smiled politely and walked out. It’s not like doing PE at school – you won’t get a detention.
- Need some ideas about how to get moving? See thisgirlcan.co.uk/activities
