05/05/2023
WHY I STOPPED TEACHING WILD FITNESS.
As I ran through the bluebell-coveted woodlands ready to recce a session for our RENEW & IGNITE retreat, I heard a whisper echo through that I’d not heard before. “Leave me in peace. Let me sing and dance without disturbance.”
I had initially planned an epic Wild fitness session where I’d introduce the clients to running, jumping, climbing, lifting and crawling their way through the woodlands. As an adult breaking free of what ‘fitness’ sessions should look like, there is nothing quite like moving in the land like this, it leaves you feeling fully alive, with exhilaration permeating your bones.
However, when I listened to the voice of the woodlands, I knew something was off. My run slowed to a walk. The logs I’d intended to throw were habitat to thousands of critters. The trees I’d planned on climbing were safe havens for the birds. As I crept through the ancient woodland, with the birdsong at full volume and the deer comfortably grazing, I knew I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t be another human that was ‘conquering’ the land for the glory of a good fitness session.
So with that in my heart, I changed the session plan. No longer was it Wild fitness, but it became Wild movement. We moved mindfully and carefully as we tuned into the land. We explored with our senses, not just our eyes. Treading lightly underfoot gave us an opportunity to be more mindful of our bodies’ interaction with the land. In my 15+ years of teaching, I saw an unfolding of grace and smooth movement from everyone quicker than ever before. It was a lesson I will carry with me for a long time.
Personally, I think both have their place. The Yin and the Yang of outdoor movement, I guess. And from an ecological perspective, if it’s not us throwing the logs about in the woodlands, it would have been the wild boars and other natural predators of the UK, had we not wiped them out. The work of George Monbiot and his book ‘Feral’ gives us great insight into the rewilding culture of the UK.
Anyway, run or walk, make your way through the land with gentleness in your heart and kindness in your spirit.
If you are interested in being part of our next retreat (in September, dates to be announced!) DM or comment below ❤️
Your rewilding coach,
Nala x
A big thanks to for the gorgeous 📷 shots