this is me...
about me...
Hi! I’m Anna. I’m a group exercise instructor, personal trainer, a Mum and a woman going through the menopause. I love music, I love being active but I also appreciate that not everyone does. However, I do feel passionately that everyone can find a way to move and feel more confident about themselves, they just have to find what works for them.
I have been working as a fitness instructor since 2007. I started my fitness instructing journey in Bolivia, where I lived for 6 years. When I moved back to England in 2011, I decided to qualify as a Level 2 Exercise to Music Instructor. My journey continues, I’m learning all the time and over the years have qualified in other disciplines, including Spinning®, Waterworks® (Aquafit); BollyX® (Bollywood Dance Fitness); Level 2 Gym Instructor; Level 3 Personal Trainer and Body fx Coach (nutrition programme).
I also have a lot of professional experience working with trauma and have recently participated in a Trauma Informed Approach to Exercise Strategy course, as well as further courses in Osteoporosis and Pilates; and Exercise Strategy for Menopause. I feel passionate about inclusion and accessibility, I have an MA in Disability Studies and have a Level 2 qualification in Autism Awareness.
Mental Health and Fitness
Our mental health and physical health is intrinsically linked. When you exercise, chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood are released. If you exercise regularly or keep active, it can reduce your stress and symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety; help with recovery from mental health difficulties and improve your sleep.
So how are exercise and the mind linked up? Exercising pumps blood to the brain, which can help you to think more clearly and it increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory. It also increases the connections between the nerve cells in the brain. This improves your memory and helps protect your brain against injury and disease.
Exercise for everyone
It is great to see all the benefits from exercising but the reality of being able to regularly exercise or even be active is a lot harder.
Thinking about the many barriers to exercising (physical, psychological, mental ill health, lack of space, lack of time etc.), it’s important that each person takes that step towards being more active in their own time, at their own pace. Using online videos, for example, can be a great first step and when that feels more comfortable, perhaps trying a recorded fitness class and even moving towards a live Zoom class as time goes on.
Personally, I’d say the most important thing is that each person does this at their own pace, without putting themselves under pressure or comparing themselves with others.
testimonials
“Have always loved dance style classes but Anna’s are my favourite – her routines are sassy and fun and energetic and she is made for what she does. She’s the kind of person we need more of in the fitness industry.”
Meg
“Having joined Anna’s Legs, Bums and Tums classes at Riverside a few weeks ago, I can’t stop going! I’ve always been a bit apprehensive of classes, but from the moment I walked in Anna was really friendly and made me feel extremely welcome, Her classes are fun, and her enthusiasm and laughter is infectious! One of my favourite instructors by far from the classes I’ve tried, thank you Anna, and keep up the fantastic work.”
Kelli
“Love Anna’s classes, she’s always so helpful and welcoming. She’s kept me sane with her Zoom classes throughout lockdown. Great sessions!”
Dipti