Emma and Neave's story
Read their story below
Emma is a Group exercise instructor, specifically for our Big Sister sessions, run in partnership with Women in Sport, which aims to empower and enable girls aged 9-15 years old to enjoy sport, exercise and physical activity. After spending many years falling in love with fitness training, Emma decided to start pursuing a career in fitness, obtaining a degree in physical activity and exercise science in addition to a wealth of fitness qualifications including stroke and Parkinson’s, cardiac, cancer, lower back pain and falls prevention specialisms.
"I have specialised in pre and post rehabilitation for 10 years now. I love my job!"
Whilst starting her career, Emma became pregnant and was determined to instil the importance of keeping active in her daughter, Neave.
"From a very young age I have taught my daughter that staying healthy and listening to your body is key."
From a young age, Neave has always been active, taking part in activities like dance, gymnastics, cricket and football. As Emma’s career within fitness progressed, Neave quickly started getting involved in choregraphing some of the routines and choosing songs for her exercise classes.
‘We go round shops, and she will say “mummy this will be very good for aerobics”’
Neave’s interest in fitness doesn’t stop at class choreography… the mum and daughter duo run together; Emma adds ‘I am so proud of her that she has the enthusiasm to exercise with me. When we go running together people always say hello to us, they think it's cute. But I know the physiological benefits she is getting.’
As with most of our mother daughter stories – Emma has instilled in her daughter the importance of mental wellbeing and the benefits that come alongside keeping active. "Neave also practises her breathing when she's at home and we breath together to get to sleep. She knows her mind is important too."
Emma is keen to ensure that Neave is educated in what happens in her body and her mind and uses a lot of her university experience to teach her the underpinning knowledge on the importance of activity. Above all she teaches Neave the best thing she can be is herself!
"I tell her to always be a shepherd and not a sheep. Being unique is the best thing to be and always present the best version of herself without being in competition with anyone else"
To read other stories similar to Emma and Neave click here.