Other Sport / International Women's Day
Inspiring exhibition celebrates Bristol women getting active
Everyday photos of mums enjoying exercise alongside their children are part of a new exhibition aimed at inspiring more women to get active.
The project, led by Bristol Girls Can, captures women across the city fitting some form of activity into their busy lives – whether it be trampolining, a walk in the park, cycling, swimming or practising yoga with a toddler on their back.
Photographs will go on display at Southmead Hospital, St Michael’s Hospital and South Bristol Hospital from Friday, March 8, to mark International Women’s Day, and as part of an ongoing bid to break down barriers to exercise.
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Describing the exhibition as a real celebration of the Bristol Girls Can #FitGotReal campaign, deputy mayor Asher Craig said: “We hope that, through these images and the women’s stories, we can encourage even more women in Bristol to get active in the way that’s right for them.’’
Ameena (right), enjoying a walk and catching up with her friend Sofia, at Eastville Park
Ameena, one of the stars of the exhibition, is pictured strolling through Eastville Park with her friend Sofia, each pushing a pushchair.
“Walking is convenient and can be quick to do; it’s also nice to do together with the kids,” said Ameena.
“It makes me feel more energised, confident and positive and can be social, especially when you walk with friends. I try to fit in activity into my everyday life because it’s hard to get childcare to go to a structured activity.”
Claire, enjoying a free pregnancy swim at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre
Claire, pictured enjoying a swim at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, was a keen cyclist and swimmer before pregnancy and wanting to maintain her fitness levels, so took advantage of the free pregnancy swims offered by Bristol City Council.
“It felt liberating to strip off into a bikini with the bump,” she said.
“People stared, but I enjoyed it so who cares? My advice for anyone thinking of taking up exercise while pregnant would be to embrace it.
“Swimming has helped me turn off from the stresses of daily life and I can just concentrate on myself and the baby.’’
Tanya, enjoying a post-natal exercise session with her daughter at Horfield Sports Centre
Maria, with her son, enjoying a family yoga session at Space 238
The photos were taken by Jeni Nott, who is also featured cycling along the harbourside with her son.
Speaking about the campaign, mayor Marvin Rees said: “We know being active has a positive effect on our physical health and mental wellbeing, but for many parents, barriers such as time, cost and childcare, mean that making exercise a priority and putting their needs first can be a challenge.
“The mums highlighted by the campaign have managed to overcome some of these barriers and are exercising in their own way. Their example shows us all that you don’t have to have a gym membership, expensive sports clothes or lots of free time. It’s about doing what you can, when you can.’’
Anna Farthing, arts programme director for University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Jeni Nott’s touching photos depict real women with their kids, and are genuinely moving. We hope these images will inspire everyone to find fun ways of getting fit alongside the demands of family life.”
Debbie, squeezing in a home workout with the kids
The exhibitions have been developed in partnership with Fresh Arts, the arts programme funded by Southmead Hospital Charity, for North Bristol NHS Trust and #UHBristolArts, the Arts and Culture programme, funded by Above & Beyond, for University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.
Main photo: Nina, trampolining with her daughter at Freedog, Bedminster.
All photos by Jeni Nott
Read more: Where to celebrate International Women’s Day in Bristol
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