Remembering how to breathe - body-positive, LGBTIQ+ and socially inclusive, all-abilities zoom fitness

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The other day I said Becca (Take The Big Bag) is the coolest fitness instructor. Actually she’s far more than that.

Back in February 2021, I’d decided to start her Zoom fitness classes after trying out a session with Becca at We Got To Move’s online burnout recovery event for activists.

Coronaracism meant I had high anxiety about going outside. As a trans & non binary person, exercising at home also my means not having to use gendered changing rooms. I also save time & money on travelling to a gym. What was helpful was that I could explain this in my form which was helpful - for access & being “seen”.

Becca’s fitness sessions consist of a circuit which is completely modifiable for body ability and the groups include disabled people / people recovering from injuries. During the session, she uses timers and instructs with patience, encouragement, humour and extensive knowledge gathered from her time as a professional fitness coach. (She’s also a weightlifter!)

Over time I have settled into my neurodivergence and stuck to the same ones but as I’ve had to breaks (injury/illness/ availability), I’ve occasionally needed to take it down a notch and recover / repair.

I always leave the session feeling recovered and repaired. It continues to be hard for me to exercise. I was diagnosed with adhd just this year, rather late in life as I’m 43. I also have c-ptsd. Focusing and finding healthy, enjoyable habits have been hard for me.

Moreover, it took me a long time to realise it’s not just about strength. (Although I have built strength - especially in my legs. Thank you squats!) Making notes to document, touching base with how I feel in my body and regulated breathing are all very helpful. I recently realised I may have interoception which means finding it hard to feel / notice my bodily sensations (linked with autism & adhd).

I’m also really impressed that one of the group policies is no body shaming and diet talk. My ex used to complain about his memories of fatphobia in gym posters. There’s none of that here. Becca even commented that she prefers to stay covered up in promo photos so as not to put off clients.

And here’s the most extraordinary thing about Becca. Despite the fact that after the lockdowns ended, the appetite for Zoom fitness has declined, she believed & continues to passionately believe in running the sessions. At the moment sometimes it’s a few people including me. Yet she has been adamant that she’ll run it even if there’s only one person - if they want to attend. It’s a testament to her dedication to community work that she’s willing to give her time and skills!

This is why Becca is the coolest fitness instructor.

She’s an incredible human being & if there’s anyone out there who wants to join us on Tuesday or Friday evenings I’d highly recommend! Sometimes it may just be you & me and Becca! That means you get to ask questions.

Ps. Sometimes you get taught a bonus secret new exercise!

Ps2. I made a video to help promote her classes but I was having body image issues so I didn’t appear on video. I also spoke too fast so it would fit on a reel. I hope this time, the speed is more relaxing!

Follow Becca on Instagram and Facebook.

Photos: Stock images

Yep - that first photo with the skipping rope?? Nahh.. I don’t skip.. But most of the stock images don’t have anyone who looks like me! The other photos were chosen as I thought they conveyed the mood of the sessions!

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