Introducing the inspiring journey of our member Ellen.
From conquering Tasmania’s Hartz Mountain to rediscovering the joys of everyday agility, Ellen exemplifies the transformative benefits of Women’s Fitness Adventures. Since joining, she has not only achieved significant fitness milestones but has also found a community that supports and motivates her.
Her story is an uplifting example of how dedication and community can lead to a fuller, more adventurous life.
At 67, I’m currently enjoying a level of fitness, happiness, and confidence that I haven’t felt in over two decades.
While I’m semi-retired, I keep active by working as a casual relief teacher in local primary schools.
Being a teacher requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm. During the pandemic, I noticed a significant decline in my energy, strength, and agility. I spent numerous days supervising the children of emergency service and medical workers at a small local school. These children couldn’t stay home because their parents were needed at hospitals or at border crossings; I live on the NSW/VIC border. The experience was physically and emotionally challenging, especially given the tough circumstances of the pandemic.
One evening in May 2021, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a promotion for a “5km for 5 days” challenge. It struck me that I needed to break the habit of sitting in my chair after returning from work and instead, get outside. After completing the “5km for 5 days” programme, which included an online meeting and a live functional fitness class, I realised this was the community for me.
I live in a remote location and particularly appreciated the online aspect of Women’s Fitness Adventures. This allowed me to connect with other women on similar health and fitness journeys without the need to drive a great distance to a gym or join a hiking group.
Since joining Women’s Fitness Adventures, my most significant achievement in hiking has been reaching the summit of Hartz Mountain in Tasmania earlier this year. In other aspects of my life outside of hiking, there have been many improvements as well.
A major achievement, although it may seem minor to some, is the newfound ease with which I can sit on the floor to engage with my 6-year-old students in a classroom setting. A few years ago, I would have been looking for a low chair and would have had difficulty getting in and out of it!
Before joining Women’s Fitness Adventures, my life was always busy, but it was also more challenging due to my lack of fitness.
I don’t believe I was fully seizing the opportunities that came my way, as everything is much more difficult when you’re not fit enough to participate fully.
When it comes to the idea that life is too busy to make time for fitness, I’m of the opinion that people always find time for what they consider a priority. To me, good health is a precious gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted. I firmly believe that if I want to fully engage in life and take advantage of the opportunities that come my way in the future, I need to be fit and agile.
Membership in Women’s Fitness Adventures provides me with the support and framework to become progressively fitter and stronger. Women’s Fitness Adventures organises hiking adventures, so there’s also the opportunity to put all the new hiking skills I’ve learned into practice. This allows me to reward myself for all the effort I’ve put in to become fit enough to go on an adventure.
If someone’s thinking about joining Women’s Fitness Adventures, I’d tell them it is a wonderful group to belong to because everyone is welcomed without judgment. If they are prepared to work on their fitness regularly and take advantage of all the resources and activities provided by WFA, then they will become fitter and stronger. A bonus is that they will meet, online or in person, some wonderful like-minded women who are also on their fitness journey.
I’d recommend Women’s Fitness Adventures to any woman who wants to become fitter and stronger for life.
What would have happened if I didn’t join Women’s Fitness Adventures?
Well, I can tell you I wouldn’t be as fit as I am today. I’ve rediscovered the sense of adventure I used to have back in my 20s and 30s.
I wouldn’t have tackled the 100km Great Ocean Walk, wouldn’t have hiked on Bruny Island or up Hartz Mountain, wouldn’t be booked on more Multi Day Hiking Adventures and I’d have missed out on meeting some amazing ladies from different parts of Australia, far from where I live.
To learn more about becoming a Member of the Women’s Fitness Adventures Community, click here.
