This Girl Can

Helen Connor

Helen works at the University as the People and Organisational Development Manager

What type of sport or physical activity do you take part in on a regular basis?

I do a couple of classes that combine body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training - Body Attack and Strong Nation.  I love them because they are fun, and you come away feeling really great, sweaty, and in possession of jelly legs! Despite the pain of the plyometrics and the beasts of press ups, I laugh all the way through. Mainly because I’m so uncoordinated and usually facing a different direction to everyone else! The people that go are diverse, and the trainer calls us all Goddesses, which makes me laugh, but actually she is making us feel valued, accepted and downright amazing. I also do a weightlifting class.  This started at the university a few years ago, and there is a group of wonderful women have kept it up. Little did the trainers know that they had unleashed monsters, addicted to a deadlift, ready to throw an Olympic bar in the air, and desperate to escape the horrific implement of torture that is the prowler. Weightlifting really changed my life – brought me energy, shredded fat, and keeps me strong – physically and mentally.  I also walk my dog, Duncan.

What challenges have you faced in participating in sport and physical activity?

Like many people with responsibilities to others, setting time aside to exercise can be so hard. Consistency is difficult and the feelings of guilt can really wash over you. Also, I know in the past there were many activities that I had never tried, so thinking of trying something new wouldn’t occur to me. The only reason I started the aerobics classes, and specifically Body Combat was because I was gently encouraged to by Kirsty, one of the Personal Trainers at the university. Without that nudge I wouldn’t have thought to do it or do Strong Nation or Attack.

How has sport and physical activity impacted on your university experience?

As People and Organisational Development Manager, I often promote physical activity as a source of wellbeing, so taking part in exercise demonstrates my commitment and integrity - I’m doing the things I suggest. I walk the walk – or run the run. It has also been a great networking too – I meet people from areas of the university I may not have so quickly met.  I appreciate the fact that we all look the same – red in the face, poor hair, and dressed in lycra. Or maybe that’s just me! The gym means a break, which we know from the research means increased focus, creativity, and performance. I have made new mates, and I appreciate their friendship and kindness. They are bad ass gals and boys and I love them!

How has participating in sport and physical activity helped you?

It maintains my happiness, zest for life, and mental toughness. I’m full of energy (much to the annoyance of my partner) and it is a great learning experience.  I’m aware of those around me and I have been gifted an opportunity to be kind, and to cheer on gang, either to just turn up when things are tough or to celebrate a personal best, or even just getting to the end of a session without falling over!

What skills/behaviours have sport and physical activity helped you to develop?

I am 3.7% less uncoordinated, I have learnt to leap quickly backwards when I turn the gym showers on, so as not to squeal when hit by a blast of chilly water. I am much nicer to my family when I have exercised!

What advice would you give someone unsure about participating in sport or physical activity?

I try not to give advice, because let’s face it – what do I know? But if they wanted guidance, I would try to support them to identify the benefits of physical activity to them, to create different options for moving, and to set a ridiculous small goal for themselves. For me, group coaching has been incredible full of camaraderie and laughs, as well as acknowledging we aren’t in competition with one another. We are there to cheer on and celebrate each other. We are magnificent just for turning up, just for getting through, just for lifting heavier, just for jumping higher. Stand tall, shoulders back and reach for the sky. No dumb belles here!

Elze Demereckaite

Elze is a 22 year old student studying Hospitality Business Management.

What type of sport or physical activity do you take part in on a regular basis?

Thai boxing/muay thai

What challenges have you faced in participating in sport and physical activity?

Overcoming health problems.

How has sport and physical activity impacted on your university experience?

It has enhanced my experience so much! By accidentally trying muay thai, I found my new passion and I also met so many new people that are now my good friends. 

How has participating in sport and physical activity helped you?

It helped me deal with stress from university work, personal life. I also became much more confident, healthy and happy. At the same time, I started spending my free time actively, with like-minded people. I challenge myself everyday, I am getting prepared for fights, really putting my limits to the test and I love that.

What skills/behaviours have sport and physical activity helped you to develop?

Confidence, discipline, tenacity, respect, strategy.

What advice would you give someone unsure about participating in sport or physical activity?

Try absolutely everything that you can, there is a sport for everyone! I found muay thai by complete accident - my friends convinced me to come to a taster session, which I really did not want to go to and I never stopped doing it since then. If you don't like it - don't do it again, but at least now you are one step closer to finding your sport. 

Anna Fillingham

20 year old student studying Marketing, Communications and Advertisement. Anna is the Social Secretary for the Fencing Team.

What type of sport or physical activity do you take part in on a regular basis?

Fencing

What challenges have you faced in participating in sport and physical activity?

Definitely realising my worth, sometimes going through bouts of losses in sports can make you feel you're not good enough. But not giving up when things got hard made me realise how strong I was and that I was capable of anything if I changed my perspective and put my mind at ease.

How has sport and physical activity impacted on your university experience?

It has helped to give me a mental break from university work and stress. As well as enabling me to make new friends and have a place to go to if I have any worries.

How has participating in sport and physical activity helped you?

It has enabled me to stay active and keep an overall balanced lifestyle as well as helping with mental health by getting out of the house and away from work life.

What skills/behaviours have sport and physical activity helped you to develop?

Confidence has really helped coming from sports. I feel like I am able to use my voice a lot more and not worry what people think.

What advice would you give someone unsure about participating in sport or physical activity?

Learning something new. Learning anything new is exciting, not to mention good for you, and your brain. It can be scary but it's usually very fun, you've just got to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Caitlin Hay

Caitlin is a third year Criminology student

What type of sport or physical activity do you take part in on a regular basis?

Rugby

What challenges have you faced in participating in sport and physical activity?

Being told that rugby is a man’s sport and not for girls.

How has sport and physical activity impacted on your university experience?

It has meant that I have a great group of friends and an amazing support network.

How has participating in sport and physical activity helped you?

It’s helped me channel my negative and look for positives in everything I do.

What skills/behaviours have sport and physical activity helped you to develop?

It’s helped me develop respect and discipline.

What advice would you give someone unsure about participating in sport or physical activity?

Give it a go there’s nothing wrong with trying something new.

Keeley Hutton

Keeley works at th Univrsity s a Schools and Colleges Relationhip Officer.

What type of sport or physical activity do you take part in on a regular basis?

Running, swimming and pilates.

What challenges have you faced in participating in sport and physical activity?

I’ve faced many challenges through my years of running. Fear of failure, confidence and health issues. Most recently, I experienced challenges due to my health. At the start of lockdown, I struggled to run. My body didn’t want to work and I felt exhausted all the time. This was the worst thing to happen because running keeps my mind healthy. After a few tests, the problem was identified and I was able to get back to exercising again. It was a long, slow process but I am now back to my previous fitness. It shows that with determination, you can overcome most challenges.

How has sport and physical activity impacted on your university experience?

I have met so many new people from the University, by attending classes, the gym and running at lunch times. It has given me a sense of community, new friends and given me the confidence to try new things, like lifting weights in the gym, which I would have never done previously.

How has participating in sport and physical activity helped you?

Exercise makes me feel good both on the inside and on the outside. I have a long-term health condition which is managed well when my fitness is good. It keeps my mind healthy and allows me to cope with my busy life of working full time and being a mum. If I’m feeling grumpy or stressed, I go out for a run or exercise and return a happier version of me.

What skills/behaviours have sport and physical activity helped you to develop?

This one is a hard one because physical activity is a way of life for me so I don’t look at it as developing my skills and behaviour but if I have to pick something, I would say it has improved my determination. If I want to achieve something, I will do everything in my power to make it work. I can relate this to both work and sport. I’ve run marathons, both on road and in the mountains and that is something you can’t do without determination (and some say stubbornness).

What advice would you give someone unsure about participating in sport or physical activity?

Don’t be afraid to try something new. You might meet new people or discover something that you genuinely enjoy.

Aziidah Nanteza

Aziidah is a PhD student, researching finance.

What type of sport or physical activity do you take part in on a regular basis?

Weights and strength classes.

How has sport and physical activity impacted on your university experience?

It has helped me develop a more positive attitude towards uni. I literally look forward to when I can do another fitness class everyday.

How has participating in sport and physical activity helped you?

It has helped me improve my mental and physical health.

What skills/behaviours have sport and physical activity helped you to develop?

I have found that I am more able to concentrate on my research and have been able to complete tasks on time as both my mind and body are stronger.

What advice would you give someone unsure about participating in sport or physical activity?

Try one class at a time and see what you like. There is something for everyone.

Mia Rayson Regan

Mia is in third year, studying English Literature with Creative Writing.

What type of sport or physical activity do you take part in on a regular basis?

Cheerleading

What challenges have you faced in participating in sport and physical activity?

It is a challenging sport that requires a lot of different skills and training my body to be able to meet these challenges. I also have a disability that has caused me to have to stop at training.

How has sport and physical activity impacted on your university experience?

It really has taken over my life. I missed it so much during lockdown. It is a great way of taking a break from university stress.

How has participating in sport and physical activity helped you?

It has been a fantastic impact on my mental health and has allowed me to try something new and meet some amazing people.

What skills/behaviours have sport and physical activity helped you to develop?

It’s taught me that nothing has to stop you from doing what you love and that working as a team can make you feel like you’re part of a big happy family.

What advice would you give someone unsure about participating in sport or physical activity?

I would say give it a go! If you don’t try it, you’ll never know. I hated sport before I found cheerleading and I would never go back to not doing it. It really has changed my life.