Iron Lady Fitness C.I.C

08/07/2025

Adult education plays a crucial role in today's rapidly changing society, enabling people to acquire qualifications and skills.

The last 12 months, my Advisory Board role for BAES has been a 'critical friend’ challenging self-assessments, student grades and offering my own student perspectives.

Visiting the adult learners at the Sparkhill Adult Education Centre last week, was a truly uplifting experience and hearing the learners becoming independent and active within their communities.

Learners stated that classes helped ‘build confidence, improve speaking skills, form filling, making doctors' appointments and liaising with teachers and schools.

An amazing achievement for all the BAES staff for supporting these adults to unleash learner potential and enriching our citizens.

'Birmingham Adult Education Service

01/07/2025

Girls of Brum 2025 at Alexander Stadium!

Iron Lady Fitness CIC, delivered an engaging thought provoking 'Girl Empowerment Workshop' reaching out to 11 and 12 year girls at the Sport Birmingham event with 35 schools attending and 300 girls.

Our message: ' Small changes can create big results'

A great opportunity to meet the local Gladiator and lifting champion Karenjeet Kaur Bains.

11/06/2025

As a C.I.C we embrace the chance to collaborate with local businesses and learn about their meaningful work.

This was an insightful day and networking opportunity at Sandwell College, learning about the UKs most prestigious business award for the Kings Enterprise.

It was lovely to meet Lord- Lieutenant Derrick Anderson (CBE) and Tom Westley.

So what did I learn today?

1 - Don't be scared to ask for help
2- As SME we need to shout more about what we do!

03/06/2025

Women Participating in Sports

Sport activities such as weight training, yoga, and cardiovascular training are becoming a growing interest for women, but what challenges do women face when breaking down the barriers to achieving healthier lives.

2025 fitness stats show:

# Women are more likely to experience intimidation in a gym environment

# Around 300,000 fewer women take part in sports activities.

# Women's physical activity levels reduce with age, as compared to men.

Physical activities and mental health play a significant role for women, exercise is not only associated with strengthing the body and reducing stress but improving the mood, which increases confidence.

Staying active can start by brisk walking, cycling, or using the outdoors for bodyweight exercises. Joining women led groups can also be fun making sporting activities more enjoyable by bring part of a community.

13/05/2025

The protein hype

Referring to the popular culture of gym goers, people wanting to build muscle and athletes utilizing the nutrient as a focal point.

Protein can be classed as a most important nutrient for providing energy (4 calories per gram) as well as the key amino acids known as building blocks, helping our bodies function regularly. Proteins are also needed for our bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and the blood.

Which protein is best?

Protein intake and consumption depends on your lifestyle, and the type of training you engage in, such as weight or a form of resistance. Studies show whey protein supplements can improve recovery, especially resistance exercise.

Types of protein include, animal-based or plant-based.

Animal protein known as ‘complete protein’ provides all 9 essential amino acids, examples include meat, eggs, poultry and seafood.

Plant protein tends to lack some essential amino acids, often recommended that different plant proteins are consumed to fulfil the essential amino, completing the diet. Plant-based proteins include rice, beans, soy, seeds and nuts.



Too little or too much?

Consuming an adequate amount of protein everyday diet, can range from 0.8 g/per kg of body weight (average person)

But active people and athletes may have higher protein intake, it's important to remember excess protein may result in weight gain, the other hand, deficiency of protein may lead to loss of muscle loss and malnutrition.

22/04/2025

I had the privilege of attending the Molineux networking event which was just as impressive as watching a live match.

Great opportunity where sporting events create professional connections and reminded me the incredible power that football has to unite people across all backgrounds, differences and age.

Sport teaches teamwork, resilience and helps us strengthen our values that we can use both in our professional and personal lives!

27/03/2025

Exercise and managing diabetes

Physical activity and exercise are key therapies to preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D), reducing diabetes associated complications, and improving cardiovascular fitness.

The American Diabetes Association recommends participating in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise (including resistance trainings) spread over 3 non consecutive days.

Regular exercise can prevent weight gain, reduce blood pressure, and improve insulin sensitivity, factors that affect people with T2D, resulting in a 46% reduction in diabetes related incidents.

Often, people with TD2 reported more physical discomfort during exercise but can stay active with slow walking (3 kilometers/hour), taking the stairs, brisk walking (6 kilometers/hour), cycling or taking up running and boxing activities.

11/03/2025

Honoured to have been invited as a guest speaker by Pauline at Desch BAES for International Women's Day!

This was an incredible opportunity to speak with the bright, ambitious students about finding inspiration and charting their own path and journey, whilst facing barriers and challenges.

Thank you to the BAES and the faculty for this meaningful opportunity to connect with the next generation of leaders.

Special moments like these remind me why mentorship and sharing our journey matters - you never know which words might spark someone's breakthrough and inspire them.

25/02/2025

We completed 9 weeks of physical activity classes, using our taliored programmes and delivered to a group of 12 people.

One of our patients with spondylitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease gave us this lovely feedback.. in their own words!

06/02/2025

Just wrapped up an amazing Self-Care event and networking at Centre, loved connecting with fellow professionals while learning practical tips for self-care and work-life balance. Special thanks to Tracey Without A Trace Community Interest Company for the invite!

Join our FREE self-care workshop!!!!
Take a moment to prioritise YOU. Join us for an empowering self-care workshop where you'll learn practical tools to nurture your body and mind. Don't miss out on this opportunity to recharge and equip you with some helpful tools and support to make a positive change in your life.
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Book your free space Select tickets – Free Self-Care Workshop – Beacon Centre for the Blind, Wolverhampton Road


https://www.tickettailor.com/.../beaconcentrefort.../1499826

14/01/2025

Is employee well-being considered a priority in 2025?

In 2024, 2.8 million people were on long-term sickness, an increase of 800,000 since the pandemic.

Most sicknesses account for mental health and musculoskeletal issues. These ill health conditions mean that employees may mask issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.

Poor health among employees leads to more absences and lower productivity levels in the workplace.

Being at work is good for us mentally and physically, so how can HR managers and organisations support workers and commit to prioritizing employee wellbeing?

1. Creating a culture of appreciation where employees feel encouraged and able to tap into their full potential

2. Employers regularly ask their employees how they're doing, especially during one-to-one meetings

3. Reviewing the team's wellbeing ambitions, celebrating wins and refining changes they wish to make.

Teams and organisations that apply principles to encourage a sense of workplace fulfilment have high job satisfaction and retention with workers who increase team performance.

18/12/2024

NHS Health Checks, are they needed to manage your health?

As we age, our risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease increases.

Adults over 40 years of age, or with existing health conditions are usually invited for NHS Health Checks every 5 years.

What happens during a check?

Appointments can last up to 30 minutes, your height, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are tested. As well questions on your health and physical activity.

What are the benefits?

Your results provide a score and risk level, it's an opportunity to discuss improvements and get help by being referred to sevices to make lifestyle changes.

Remember these checks can be carried out by a nurse, GP or heath care assistant.