DAVID UNWIN / STUFF / Stuff
Fiona Donald, a personal trainer and nutrition coach, shares her story with the changing room to help women break down the barriers to engaging in fitness.
After spending a lifetime playing sports and spending more than 10 years in the health and fitness industry, the two mothers understand the challenges women face when engaging in sports and fitness.
Fiona Donald, a confessed “get up” type personal trainer and nutrition coach, has found it difficult in the last few years.
After recovering from a failed surgery, Covid-19 restrictions canceled a regularly trained triathlon event, forcing me to rely on small things to motivate me.
Now, as part of the See Her Be Her promotion, she wants to share her story through the changing room, a quarterly seminar where Sports Manawatu focuses on women in sports.
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DAVID UNWIN / STUFF / Stuff
Rear sole of Fiona Donald and Sports Manawatu Turbos Recreation Advisor.
The changing room series aims to break down barriers and encourage women and girls to go out and participate in activities of interest.
Donald said part of her presentation will focus on accountability and how it played a role in keeping her going.
“Accountability is as easy as finding the walkway you want to take, marking it on your calendar, and then finding someone who wants to join you.
“When there is someone you have to show up, it blames you.”
She also suggested creating small achievable goals and ensuring that they were measurable, concrete, realistic, and within a time frame.
“Just be patient. It’s better than nothing.
“If you’re having a hard time walking to the letterbox now, make it your goal for next week. Every day, you’ll walk back to the letterbox. The next week will go a little further.
“Getting out of your comfort zone is a big key.”
DAVID UNWIN / STUFF / Stuff
This workshop will help women break down the barriers to engaging in fitness.
Donald wanted to help participants understand what barriers were preventing them from starting.
“Oh, when we say, oh, I want to do it, but I can’t. Understand what it’s just going to encourage you to do it.”
Sports Manawatu Tallarua Recreation Advisor Riazor said each event was held in different parts of the region and the speakers were all locals, giving them a chance to connect in the neighborhood.
“Women and girls can get tips and advice directly from these women in their community. Fiona is the perfect person for a field event.”
The changing room session with Fiona Donald will take place on Wednesday, April 13th at 6pm in the Field’s Strong Room. Participation is free and drinks and nibbles are provided.
You can register on the Sports Manawatu website.
