Credit: Stylist
Strong Women
“Forget running – functional fitness has made me the strongest, fittest and most sociable I’ve ever been”
4 years ago
2 min read
There’s more than one way to get strong; sometimes, it takes ditching what we feel comfortable doing to reap the mental and physical benefits of fitness.
Lockdown and running. For me, they were a partnership; the perfect match born out of an incredibly challenging time. I ran at least four times a week at the height of the pandemic, often five. And while that was positive for my fitness and mental health, it took its toll on my body.
It’s that toll which led me, eventually, to a functional fitness class. Undoubtedly, a lot changed during the pandemic, including how we exercise. As gyms closed, we tried alternative methods of fitness. What I possessed in motivation to run (it meant an escape from the house and often homeschooling), I lacked in physical strength and wellness. 12 months after that initial lockdown, I had tendonitis and arthritis in my left hip, quite possibly from over-exercising.
The recovery was painful, and when I was advised to stop running, I entered a despondent slump: what could I do to stay strong and fit?
A weekly dose of expert-backed tips on everything from gut health to running, plus receive our 8-week beginner’s guide to strength training.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.