FitStart: Why I Created a Different Path to Women's Fitness

My Personal Journey and the Birth of FitStart

Remember in my first blog post when I shared that there wasn't anyone in my family who "did sport" when I was growing up? How school sports day and PE lessons ranked alongside dental visits in my list of dreaded activities? That background shaped my entire relationship with fitness well into adulthood. When I finally decided to try group fitness classes I felt completely out of place. I didn't know how to use weights properly, couldn't follow basic movement patterns, and felt utterly self-conscious. Looking around at others who seemed to move effortlessly only intensified those feelings of inadequacy. I wished for a gentler introduction – a bridge between complete beginner and regular class participant. That missing bridge is precisely why I created FitStart at Run Fit Fordingbridge – a 6-week program specifically designed to help women who feel exactly as I did, whether they're complete beginners or returning to fitness after a long break.

Understanding the Pain Points

Over years of coaching, I've heard the same concerns from women repeatedly:

"I'm not fit enough to start." "I feel self-conscious about my fitness level." "I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up." "I used to be fit, but it's been so long – I feel like I'm starting from scratch." "I don't want to look foolish not knowing what to do." These concerns keep many women from experiencing the benefits of regular exercise and finding joy in movement. They create an unnecessary barrier to improving health and wellbeing. And they're exactly the concerns I had myself.

Creating a Safe Starting Point

FitStart addresses these pain points directly. It's a carefully structured program that introduces women to fitness fundamentals in a supportive, judgment-free environment where:

• We limit each program to just 4 women, ensuring you receive personalized attention and coaching

• You learn proper movement patterns and weight training fundamentals that build confidence and competence

• You progress at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed or compared to others

• You connect with other women who share similar concerns and goals

The program consists of 5 semi-private coaching sessions focused on proper form and technique. This foundation is crucial not just for seeing results, but for preventing injuries and developing sustainable fitness habits that last beyond the program.

Returning to Fitness After a Break

FitStart isn't just for complete beginners. Many women join us after extended breaks from exercise – whether due to career demands, family responsibilities, health challenges, or simply life getting in the way. Coming back to fitness after months or years away can feel almost as intimidating as starting for the first time.

The program provides a perfect re-entry point. You'll rebuild movement patterns safely, regain confidence in your abilities, and rediscover the joy of exercise in a body that may have changed since you were last active. The small group setting means you'll receive guidance specific to your current needs, not where you were in your previous fitness chapter.

The Bridge to Community

After completing 5 semi-private sessions, you'll experience one of our regular small group classes (still capped at 7 participants). This transition is a significant moment – you'll enter the class already knowing the fundamentals and feeling confident in your abilities.

Many women find this progression transforms their relationship with fitness. What once seemed intimidating becomes enjoyable. Movements that felt awkward become natural. And most importantly, you'll experience the supportive community atmosphere that makes continuing movement a sustainable part of life.

The Real Outcomes

The physical benefits of FitStart are important, but what truly matters are the changes beyond the physical:

• Finding confidence in movement again (or for the first time)

• Understanding your body better and working with it, not against it

• Feeling comfortable and worthy in fitness spaces

• Discovering intrinsic motivation that lasts beyond short-term goals

• Connecting with a community that supports your wellbeing journey

This combination of physical and psychological shifts creates lasting change. When exercise becomes something you enjoy rather than endure, it naturally becomes part of your lifestyle.

Why Small Groups Matter

When I designed FitStart, keeping the group tiny was non-negotiable. With just 4 participants, everyone receives individual attention while still benefiting from the motivation and camaraderie of group dynamics.

This small group environment creates safety – both physical safety through proper form correction and emotional safety where questions are welcomed and comparison is minimized. It allows for adaptation to different bodies, abilities, and starting points within the same session.

I've seen firsthand how this environment changes the experience for women. The nervous energy of the first session transforms into confidence and even excitement by the final session. Participants who once worried about "keeping up" discover they're completely capable when given proper guidance and a supportive environment.

What FitStart Isn't

FitStart isn't about rapid transformation or pushing to exhaustion. It's not about competing with others or achieving a certain aesthetic. And it's definitely not about feeling inadequate or being judged.

Instead, it's about creating a foundation of knowledge, confidence, and community. It's about making fitness accessible regardless of your starting point. And most importantly, it's about removing the barriers that keep so many women from experiencing the profound benefits of regular movement.

If what I've described resonates with your experience – whether you're new to fitness or returning after a break – I'd love to have you join us.