She Moves: A Conference in Motion

I had the opportunity to attend two She Moves events, beginning with the Women on Weights (or alternatively, WOW) session. This introductory-level weightlifting session provided attendees with a solid foundation for embarking upon a fitness program based upon strength training. In fact, the session offered a free 4-week fitness program adaptable to a home gym environment with little to no equipment required. 

As a woman who loves weightlifting, something I have heard over and over again from other women is that weightlifting is far too intimidating. Thanks to She Moves, women who attended the WOW session were given the chance to approach weight and strength training in a welcoming and supportive environment. The trainers leading the session were receptive to any questions asked in the chat, and consistently mentioned variations on movements so as to accommodate all levels. 

Later on in the day, I went to the Women in Sport Panel. During this session, Erin Latimer, a former Paralympic level alpine skier spoke on her experience with mindfulness in sport. Though we may not all be former ski racers, this retired athlete’s tips on how to be mindful are of use to anyone seeking to make more time for thought in their day. Some of the suggested ways to be more mindful included mindful breathing meditations, body scans and journaling. 

Though mindfulness is, of course, useful in all areas of a person’s life, it can play a particularly useful role when it comes to physical activity. After all, sport is not only about physical competitionmindset plays a tremendous role in physical competition or training of any level. Thanks to She Moves, attendees left the conference with a renewed toolbox when it comes to mental, as well as physical wellbeing. 

During the second session that I attended, I was also introduced to the University of Toronto’s Women in Sport Club. This club is roughly a year old, but already has a lot going for it. As a space for any female-identifying person who is a current varsity, intramural athlete or an alumnus of a U of T athletic program, the Women in Sport Club is creating community for athletically-inclined women.

She Moves: A Conference in Motion was a noteworthy celebration of women and all that we are both physically and mentally capable of. Suffice it to say, the conference certainly did International Women’s Day justice.