I became a This Girl Can Essex ambassador in 2017 as I wanted to support and encourage women and girls of all ages to have a go at an activity or sport which suits them and makes them smile. I think there is an activity out there for everyone and it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t fit with the norm or other people’s perceptions, as long as it brings you joy!

I’ve always enjoyed sport and exercise but was never particularly good at team games – I was usually picked last. I found a passion in gymnastics at a young age and although I was never ‘competition standard,’ it really was my happy place.  As an adult, wherever I’ve lived in the world, I’ve found an adult gymnastics club.

I’ve always enjoyed the slightly more unusual sports. In my mid twenties I tried aerial skiing. I tried out for the GB team and got selected for the development squad. This included training six days a week fitting it around work in the UK, then training and competing in Austria and Switzerland. I did this for two years and then returned to the more normal activity of adult gymnastics once more.

At 33 I tragically lost my Mum to a heart attack and at that stage my joy of any sport or physical activity changed. My cholesterol was tested and it was confirmed that I have two rounds of genetic cholesterol FH (familial hypercholesterolaemia) and Lp(a). I am on medication for life.

I became so scared that the same would happen to me that for a time I stopped any form of exercise completely. It literally killed my enthusiasm.

Six months later and with a lot of support, I was able to do a 10km run at a slow pace with my now husband running the course next to me. I didn’t want my fear to overcome my love of exercise, so the following year I did another 10km with a friend and she literally held my hand the whole way round! I continued to build up physical activity again slowly in between working and in 2016, I started adult gymnastics once more. This had a huge and positive impact on my mental health.

A year later we relocated to Essex and I immediately joined Colchester School of Gymnastics. They have a great adult team with a recreational side and a squad for those who want to compete. Adult gymnastics is different from anything you may have seen on TV or tried as a child, For adults, gymnastics is a wonderfully supportive environment and you’re encouraged to try new skills – the key factor is enjoyment.

Last year I found out I have endometriosis, having had previous surgery to remove it. This is a long-term condition that impacts 1 in 10 women. It can be excruciatingly painful and is physically and mentally debilitating. However, although it does stop me in my tracks, I work around flare ups and continue with gymnastics when I can.

We all know that exercise is good for us on so many levels and I truly believe that. The key is to make it enjoyable for you and for it to fit in with your lifestyle. It really doesn’t matter what that activity is, how unusual it is, or what other people think. If it can turn a bad day into a good day then it’s worth pursuing.

 

Favourite Activity or Sport: Gymnastics

Emma’s slogan: We can do anything, no matter what life throws at us. Be strong, keep going, and do that thing that brings you joy!