As part of our Women and Girls Like Us campaign, we’re celebrating women who are breaking down barriers to being active. Last year, Sarah won the Find Your Active Wellbeing Award at the Essex Activity Awards. This recognised someone who had helped the community move for their mind and supported the wellbeing of residents in Essex using physical activity.
Through her classes, Sarah has created welcoming spaces where women can build confidence, improve their wellbeing and form lasting friendships, proving that physical activity is about so much more than exercise. Sarah’s own journey into fitness began with a feeling many women can relate to.
“I remember walking into a gym feeling like an outsider, convinced everyone else deserved to be there more than I did. I lacked confidence and genuinely didn’t think I was the sort of person who belonged in a fitness environment.”
Everything changed when she met an instructor who welcomed her without judgement and made her feel comfortable from the moment she arrived. That experience stayed with her.
“I remember thinking, ‘I want to make other people feel like this.'”
Now, more than 18 years later, that simple goal is still at the heart of everything she does. For many women, the biggest barrier to being active isn’t physical ability. It’s confidence. Many worry they won’t be fit enough, won’t know what they’re doing or won’t fit in.
“So many women feel that exercise isn’t for them. They worry they’re not fit enough, coordinated enough or that everyone else will know what they’re doing. There’s something really empowering about walking into a room where everyone is encouraged to give it a go without fear of judgement.”
In Sarah’s classes, rather than striving for perfection, participants are encouraged to enjoy themselves, try something new and move at their own pace.
“Exercise should never feel intimidating. It should leave people feeling proud of themselves, regardless of their ability or experience. Physical activity is about so much more than improving fitness. For many people, my classes are an opportunity to switch off from the stresses of everyday life for an hour, have a laugh and leave feeling better than when they arrived.”
For some women, especially those attending her over-60s classes, the sessions provide connection and friendhships.
“Many of the women in my 60+ classes are widows and experience loneliness and isolation, so gathering with others in the same situation and making connections and friendships has been life changing. Exercise releases endorphins, but just as importantly it creates routine, purpose and connection with other people. People often tell me they come for the workout but stay because of the atmosphere and the friendships they’ve made.”
Last year, Sarah’s dedication to helping others was recognised at the Essex Activity Awards after being nominated by participants from her over-60s classes. Receiving the award was an emotional moment and a reminder of the impact that creating inclusive spaces can have.
“As instructors we often focus on planning classes and supporting participants without stopping to think about the impact we’re having. Receiving the award was a reminder that creating a welcoming, supportive environment really does make a difference. It wasn’t just recognition for me, but for everyone who comes to my classes and contributes to that positive community. They make the sessions what they are, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of it.”
For women who are thinking about becoming more active but are nervous about taking that first step, Sarah has one piece of advice:
“Don’t wait until you feel fit enough or confident enough, because that’s exactly what the class helps you build. The hardest part is often coming to that first session. Once you’ve done that, you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t start sooner. You don’t have to be the fittest person in the room, you just have to be willing to give it a go.”
Sarah’s story is a reminder that wellbeing isn’t about being the strongest, fastest or fittest person in the room. It’s about feeling welcomed, supported and connected. Sometimes, removing barriers to being active starts with something as simple as helping someone believe they belong. To find out more about the Women and Girls Like Us campaign visit the webpage here. To learn more about Find Your Active: Move for Your Mind you can view more here. Lastly, to learn more about Sarah and her classes you can visit her social media at @sarahbockhartfitness on Instagram.
