12/01/2026
As it’s a New Year I thought I would finally take the opportunity to write this post and re-introduce myself and answer some of the main questions I get asked and some of the questions I think you might like to know.
If after reading the below you have any questions for me or you are thinking about coming along then please reach out, I am always very happy to chat🥰
Motivate Me -
Q. Who am I?
A. My name is Alli and I am a mum to 3 great kids who are 8,11,15.
I’m Married to my gorgeous husband Martin. I am also a Community Learning Youth Worker.
I love keeping myself fit and healthy, walking, running and working out has always been my go to for my mental, physical and emotional health, this has been the case all my life, even as a child and teenager. I’d only ever turn up to school on days I knew I had PE🤣🙈
I love my Husky Dog Chase and enjoy going out for big walks and adventures with him, we occasionally run together but he’s not always up for it😂.
I’m a little bit witchy(ok a lot witchy) and love all things spooky! We even got married on Halloween, and if you know me you know Halloween is my favourite day of the year! 🥰🧙🏼
Q.What is Motivate Me?
A. Motivate Me is a Free Community Fitness Group born from an idea I had while out walking and running after having my youngest daughter. My Mental Health was suffering and I was struggling with loneliness and depression. Getting fit and being outdoors was helping me feel better about myself so I wondered… maybe I’m not the only person out there feeling like this…
I tried lots of different Fitness Groups, Exercise Classes, The Gym etc but I never felt comfortable, I never felt confident, i never felt that warm welcome they would all promise and promote. I never wanted to pay for block bookings or set up Direct Debits. I never wanted to feel not good enough and i definitely didn’t want someone shouting at me to do more while they stood doing nothing! (That frustrated and confused me the most😅) So when I couldn’t find what I was looking for I decided to be brave and create it myself!!
…Here we are 6 years later 🥰
Q.How much does it cost?
A. It’s completely free, always has been and always will be. I wanted this group to be accessible for people and I wanted to keep money completely out of the equation.
Q. How do I book a space?
A. You just pop your name down on the event so i know to expect you, read the event details and come ready and prepared to workout. If there’s something you think I need to know before the night then please just get in touch.
Q. Where do you meet and when?
A. We meet on a Thursday night at 18.30pm
Spring/Summer location- Danestone Country Park where we focus on overall cardio fitness and strength based fitness, activities include circuits, challenges and games using equipment, cards and music. In 6 years I don’t think any 2 weeks have ever been the same!
Autumn/Winter location - We meet at the Mother Earth Sculpture in Grandholm Village where we warm up doing some laps then we move to some nearby hills where we run, skip, hop and jump our way up and down said hills and use fences for push ups! These winter sessions build your confidence, endurance, strength and stamina!
Q. Do i already have to be fit to keep up with everyone?
A.Absolutely not, the group is aimed at all fitness levels and abilities- there are always variations of everything we do and moving your body at all is better than not at all in my opinion!
Q. Is it a pressurised environment, are you strict?
A. Not at all, I hopefully provide a friendly, welcoming space for people. I certainly don’t take myself too seriously and always do my best to make the sessions fun! I have ADHD(undiagnosed but obvious 🤣) and often miscount our reps, jump from conversation to conversation and will always ask you what you’re having for your dinner so if you can put up with that then you’ll have a great time and a good giggle😂 You might do extra squats at times though 🤣sorry!
Q. Can I bring my kids along?
A. This is a tricky one that I get asked a lot. During the spring/summer months when we’re based within Danestone County Park I am always more than happy if you need to bring your kids, there’s more than enough space for them to play in the field right beside us and they usually end up joining in for parts too which is always great fun however during our Winter Sessions when we are out running the hills it’s a slightly more challenging situation. I’ve thought about it a lot over the years and done Risk Assessments based on our numbers and environment.
Running hills in a group in darker often in wet cold conditions with far less space for much quicker faster movements etc definitely poses more risks of trips and falls if kids are dotting about in between us so in my professional opinion I would have to say no unfortunately I would not recommend bringing your kids along during our Winter Sessions.
Summer Yes. Winter No.
Q. Are you a personal trainer?
A. No I am not a PT, I am a qualified and Licensed Leadership in Running Fitness Coach with Scottish Athletics. (I am also a qualified Pound Fitness Instructor, i always forget about that🤔)
I gained my LIRF license in November 2020. I also worked for Sport Aberdeen for 3 years and during this time attended countless training sessions in Multi Sports events for kids and adults. I run these sessions with a focus on group work and ensuring it’s always as much fun as possible! I am very careful to never give you advice about your Physical Fitness, Your Form or Nutrition advice. If you have any underlying health issues or concerns please always make a judgement call on whether you should take part or not. Please let me know about your medical conditions or concerns and I can provide you with information on what we have planned so you can decide if it’s going to be suitable for you to attend or take part 🩷
I tell all newcomers- This is a free group, if you choose to attend and take part you are doing so at your own risk, you need to ensure you are putting your own physical health and safety first and if you’re not comfortable or happy with what I’m suggesting or something doesn’t feel right for your body then there is always an alternative or variation to ensure you’re comfortable and safe. 🩷 No fitness class is worth risking your health and safety for.
Q. Are you First Aid Certified.
A. Yes I have my First Aid Training and certification in Sport and Active Leisure.
Q. What is the Zombie Apocalypse Survival Sessions?
A. I love all things zombies and horror so I decided to created a fun, interactive action packed sessions based around the Zombie Apocalypse and the different scenarios you might find yourself in. It’s a fun fast paced session that takes around 2 hours to complete. You work on teamwork, resilience, listening skills, agility and observation skills. It can be booked for birthday parties, team building events, youth clubs, Girl Guides, Cub Scouts and even school events! It’s unique and lots of fun. For prices please get in touch.
Q. How can I find out more?
A. Contact me on here by DM or email me at Motivatemewithaj@gmail.com
I am always happy to help and answer any questions you might have.
