Wendy Testimonial Feature Image

Wendy

The years of inactivity was bought on by a number of physical limitations and by the fact I hadn't found an activity I LOVED to do. I had weak feet/ankles, had surgery on them as a pre-teen and worn orthotics for years. I have worn through the articular cartilage in my knees, so many daily movements caused pain and restriction. I have lower back damage and at the time I started to skip, I had frozen shoulder and had had a caesarean section! Plus I was 46, and a single parent so the barriers felt immense. I didn't have the luxury to attend a gym, group classes, or leave my house for a walk on my own, so being able to skip at home, at a time that worked for me, was the perfect solution. I knew my body needed to move if I wanted any chance of keeping healthy in my 50s onward, so I started VERY slowly.
I'm realistic about exactly how often I can prioritise fitness over everything else in my life, and as a single parent, working outside the home, that might be less than other people. I also believe in small regular commitment being the way to building routine and habit. To me its about balance. I know there are 4 days of the week, sometimes 5 that I can give time to skipping to. Some sessions might only be 20 minutes, others are 1.5 hours! I cannot prioritise skipping 7 days a week, and that is totally ok. I also know that I have firmly engrained exercise into my life, and it's consistent.
By being realistic for my situation, and not trying to do what "society" tells me is valid, I have exercised regularly for over 2 years and there's no sign of that stopping. You have to do what is achievable. Its far better to commit to 3 days a week, and achieve it week after week, than pushing for 7, and give up after 2 weeks because it was too much.
Skipping makes me feel alive. I am so damn proud of what my body and brain can do for me. It brings me so much joy.... even though the frustration is real when you are learning new tricks, or trying for a combo. Skipping has sharpened my physical abilities and given me an outlet to calm my mind.
There are so many benefits to skipping and it would be hard to pick the top one. Its fun and makes me laugh, bringing happiness and a great endorphin release. Physically I'm fitter, healthier, more agile with better balance. Its great for my heart health and my bone density. I'm getting stronger and stronger and I use weighted ropes to ensure I get a full workout when I skip. Mentally, it is incredible. The connection of brain to body is so strong as you attempt to move arms and legs in different directions, and due to this concentration there is a significant meditative element. There isn't the chance to think about jobs needing to be done, or the grocery list as you are totally in the moment and focussed on swinging the rope. 99% of my jump rope sessions end with an immense feeling of peace and satisfaction, both mentally and physically. There's nothing better than dancing around on my deck with a rope and some great music. Ive never known anything else like it. Skipping is a fitness activity that can be done almost anywhere (inside or out), at any time, and with very little equipment. An intense 10 minutes can give you an insane workout. There are so many new tricks and challenges to keep it interesting, and the Jump Rope Community (JRC) on social media, particularly Instagram is mind blowing-ly supportive and inspiring
  • Carly

    Carly

    "Going to the gym and being physically active makes me feel alive and motivated"

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  • Aynslee

    Aynslee

    "The rush you get from being active, and achieving your physical goals, is unmeasurable"

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  • Catarina

    Catarina

    "I love the feeling when you're all sweaty, tired and out of breath because you know you've tried your best and pushed yourself as far as you could"

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  • Courtney

    Courtney

    "I like getting fit, competing and winning medals. I like to have big strong muscles"

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  • Sarah

    Sarah

    "So often as a mum you are doing things for other people, so being physically active makes me feel good in that I’m doing something positive for myself"

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  • Jo

    Jo

    "I enjoy the social aspect of being physically active, when it’s not too serious and it’s just about learning new skills or getting out of the house and having fun"

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  • Trinity

    Trinity

    “I don't like sitting around and being bored. I love participating in team sport and putting goals in place to achieve.”

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  • Sirtori

    Sirtori

    “Never give up, keep pushing even when times are hard, and love yourself. Find your passion and grow because your only competition is yourself”

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  • Colleen

    Colleen

    “Being active is important to me. I want to live a healthy life and movement is a big part of that”

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  • Annmaree

    Annmaree

    "For me, sport and physical activity has offered me opportunities to make friends for life and memories I will never forget"

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  • Jess

    Jess

    "I’m now convinced that I am not in competition with anyone and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks anyway. I know I’m never going to win races but as long as I am trying my best to be a better me than I was yesterday then I am winning at life"

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  • Dawn

    Dawn

    "Not being the one sitting on the sidelines watching and being able to role model how to stay healthy and fit to my children so that they grow up believing being active is a part of everyday life and sharing all these wonderful adventures with them, it makes my heart sing"

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  • Linda

    Linda

    “Quite often when you can’t be bothered or you’re feeling sluggish and tired you can surprise yourself on how well you’ll do. Just get out the door, breathe in some fresh air and take some time for YOU, because you deserve to be HAPPY and HEALTHY!”

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  • Tracey

    Tracey

    “Start out with small steps and milestones like walking around the block without stopping, going to that first group fitness class or jumping in the water for the first time in 10 years or so”

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  • Rae

    Rae

    “I feel a lot happier when I'm active. A run or a swim will always clear my head”

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  • Pele

    Pele

    “You have got to have a positive attitude and just get out there. Keep moving, stay focused, because life is way too short to waste your time not doing what you love to do. Just do it”

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  • Marie

    Marie

    “By valuing ME more, I started to recognise myself and all of my qualities. Now I’m proud of who I am”

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  • Jess

    Jess

    “I find I am generally a better human being and can give more when I keep active”

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  • Dianne

    Dianne

    “Being active amazes me at what my body can achieve, after all I have put it through. It amazes me how it can heal”

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  • Katrina

    Katrina

    "Find something that you enjoy doing and make the time to do it. You’re not being selfish; you’re looking after yourself. The best time to start is today"

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  • Anne

    Anne

    “Running and working out are my antidote to the everyday stresses of life. When I’m not active I find it harder to switch off and view things in perspective. Sweating through activity means I don’t sweat the small things in life”

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  • Erin

    Erin

    “Being active makes me feel like I’m using my body for good. It makes me feel powerful, positive, sweaty, glorious, achy in a good way, and hopeful for the future”

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  • Tracy

    Tracy

    “Running is an outlet for me and I feel as though I am in control when it’s just me and my running shoes”

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  • Anne

    Anne

    “I was proud that I was determined enough to start from scratch and have had lots of fun playing in local competitions”

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  • Carla

    Carla

    "I didn’t want to be the parent that only ever watched my kids run around and kick a ball – I wanted to be a part of what they were doing"

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  • Hiraina

    Hiraina

    “Happy is a very well-known word but yet can be described in many ways. To me happy means doing the things you love while not being forced to do them. Sport and keeping physically active are my happy place”

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  • Dayna

    Dayna

    “Overall regular physical activity makes me more positive and happier”

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  • Amiria

    Amiria

    “I feel alive and ready for anything”

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  • Hannah

    Hannah

    “Active, healthy lifestyles aren’t defined by how often you run or go to the gym. Exercise can look like what you want it to be and what fits into your life”

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  • Dion

    Dion

    "Just by putting your shoes on and getting out there, you’re being active and doing great things for your wellbeing."

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  • Hazel

    Hazel

    "There’s so much reward to be had by overcoming fear and achieving things you never thought you could – so go for it – and link up with other likeminded women along the way."

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  • Kirsty

    Kirsty

    "Exercise makes me feel incredible! It makes me feel strong capable and grounded."

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  • Petra

    Petra

    "...there is more to life than the aesthetic of your body."

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  • Wendy

    Wendy

    "I am so damn proud of what my body and brain can do for me. It brings me so much joy."

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  • Wati

    Wati

    "Feeling confident in my own skin, being stronger and fitter than when I was younger."

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SHARE YOUR STORY

Our goal is to create a community of women and girls who share their stories and offer advice to support and inspire one another to get active. If you would like to share your physical activity journey, please contact us at info@thisisme.org.nz