Title: Embracing the Fitness Cycle: A Conversation with Sarah Jane Lewis
TLDR: The standout message from both parts is the importance of finding enjoyment and fulfilment in physical activity. Sarah-Jane Lewis and Sarah Bolitho emphasise the value of exploring different forms of exercise, reconnecting with childhood interests, and adapting fitness routines to align with personal preferences and life stages. They highlight the positive impact of physical activity on mental and physical well-being, emphasising the need to prioritise self-care and integrate exercise into daily life. Overall, the conversation promotes a holistic approach to fitness, encouraging listeners to pursue activities that bring them joy and contribute to a healthy, active lifestyle.
Introduction: Getting to Know Sarah Jane Lewis
In this episode of Creating Active Lives, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah Jane Lewis, the powerhouse behind five successful Etsy stores and a dedicated entrepreneur. But our focus today isn’t on her business prowess; instead, we’re delving into her personal journey with fitness.
Sarah Jane, a devoted mother with a blended family, offers a candid glimpse into the realities of juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal wellness. As she eloquently puts it, amidst the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, fitness often finds itself relegated to the bottom of the priority list.
Early Encounters with Exercise: Navigating the 80s Fitness Scene
Reflecting on her earliest memories of exercise, Sarah Jane paints a vivid picture of growing up in the era of aerobics DVDs and weight-conscious culture. Born in the 80s, she recalls the pervasive societal pressure surrounding body image and weight management. However, amidst the diet fads and fitness trends of the time, formal exercise routines were not a prominent feature in her life.
Post-Pregnancy Fitness: Navigating the Expectations
After welcoming her first child, Sarah Jane found herself grappling with the aftermath of pregnancy weight gain. Like many new mothers, she embarked on a journey to reclaim her pre-pregnancy physique, venturing into the realm of weight loss programs and structured exercise plans. However, as she candidly shares, the pressure to bounce back to her pre-baby body took its toll on both her physical and emotional well-being.
Unforeseen Challenges: The Price of Overexertion
Sarah Jane’s fitness journey took an unexpected turn as she delved deeper into the world of endurance sports, including triathlons. While the thrill of competition and camaraderie fueled her passion, she inadvertently pushed her body beyond its limits, unaware of the underlying consequences.
Lessons Learned: Embracing a Holistic Approach to Fitness
As Sarah Jane reflects on her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body, honoring its needs, and embracing a holistic approach to fitness. From the pitfalls of societal expectations to the profound impact of community support, her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted nature of wellness.
Sarah-Jane Lewis expresses her appreciation for the exceptional coaching she has received, particularly highlighting the excellent value for money provided by her triathlon club, Ports of Triathletes. She emphasises the dedicated and supportive nature of the community, where athletes of all levels train together, fostering motivation and inspiration rather than competition.
Finding Balance and Personal Bests
Sarah Jane discussed the importance of inspiration in joining such clubs, where individuals can strive to improve their performance, whether they aim to become elite athletes or simply want to achieve personal milestones. Sarah-Jane emphasises the supportive and sharing nature of the community, where athletes freely exchange tips and experiences to help each other progress.
Navigating Challenges and Adapting
Sarah-Jane reflects on her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted her triathlon training and led her to reassess her approach to fitness. She discusses her journey as a personal trainer and the challenges she faced during lockdowns, including the impact on her motivation and physical health.
Understanding Body Changes and Adapting Fitness Routines
The conversation shifts to the topic of aging and its effects on physical fitness, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by women during perimenopause. Sarah and Sarah-Jane discuss the importance of adapting fitness routines to accommodate changes in the body, emphasising the need for awareness and self-care.
Exploring Fitness Preferences and Finding Enjoyment
Sarah-Jane shares her journey of rediscovering enjoyment in physical activity, emphasising the importance of trying different activities and finding what works best for oneself. She encourages listeners to reflect on their childhood interests and passions, suggesting that reconnecting with these activities can reignite a sense of joy and fulfilment in exercise.
Integrating Fitness into Daily Life and Business
The conversation concludes with Sarah-Jane discussing the impact of physical activity on her business and personal life. She emphasises the importance of scheduling exercise into her routine and the positive effects it has on her mental clarity and productivity. Finally, she offers advice to listeners on finding enjoyment in physical activity and creating active lifestyles that align with their passions and preferences.
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