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Easing yourself in

“What’s Reformer Pilates?”

“Not sure I like the sound of ‘bootcamp’…”

“What does HIIT stand for again?”

“Don’t forget to stretch!”

We know the sheer volume of different types of activities on offer can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to getting active.

We also know that 41% of women worry about not being fit enough in relation to being active, so we want to help support women to feel more confident to get started by easing themselves into new types of physical activity and take the pressure off.

We’ve put together our top tips and helpful links to support you to start slowly, try some new ways to be active, and find an activity that you enjoy and feel comfortable doing so you want to keep coming back for more!

Let’s take it one step at a time...

Two women perform a yoga pose while laying face down on the ground

Top tips

  • Easy does it. Begin by making small changes, don’t try and do everything at once! 
  • Try a beginner’s programme to start with, one that provides some structure and eases you in slowly.
  • Don’t worry about not feeling fit enough to do exercise. It’s really common to feel this way.  
  • Remember, you’re not alone. There are plenty of others, just like you, looking to get active. 
  • Why not a ask a friend to go with you? Or better still, start a team! 

Hear from others

We've heard from lots of women, just like you, who have overcome barriers and found a way to be active that works for them.

Danielle in the gym holding a weighted barbell, ready to lift it.
Danielle's Story

"Over time I became more confident wearing a swimsuit and then stopped caring what other people thought of me."

Shreen sitting in her wheelchair in a sports hall surrounded by other wheelchairs, holding a coffee cup, and smiling.
Shreen's Story

“People call me superhuman, brave or inspirational. I see myself as a chronically ill semi-functioning superhero”

Lucy and Emily smiling and laughing whilst outside on a hike.
Soft Girls Who Hike's Story

"The goal of a soft hike is not to reach the finish line in the fastest time but to take your time."

See more stories

Useful links

Couch to Fitness

Complete beginner? No problem, we’ve got you covered.

Couch to Fitness is a free online exercise programme designed to help you start small and build up gradually. Each video has three instructors working at different energy levels, so there’s always a beginner option to follow.

Exercise at your own pace, no pressure, and don’t worry if you want to repeat or skip any of the workouts – you can do this as often as you like.

Find out more

A pregnant woman works out at home using an online class.
An image with white text on a red background, saying '5 exercise tips for beginners'.

Join our community on social media

Through our social media channels we regularly share stories, tips and motivation from our community all designed to support women to be more active and to feel more confident while doing it.

Join the conversation to hear from women with real stories like yours and celebrating all women getting active on their own terms.

Join the conversation