Title: Getting Active Without the Pressure: Fara Williams on Rediscovering the Joy of Exercise
As the most capped Lioness player of all time, former professional footballer Fara Williams has had a remarkable career filled with incredible achievements. However, in a recent conversation with HELLO!, she revealed the impact that the competitive nature of professional sports had on her relationship with staying active.
Growing up, Fara enjoyed playing outside and being active, but as she transitioned into professional football, the pressure to perform and constantly compare herself to others took away the enjoyment she once found in exercise. It wasn't until she retired and started running at her own pace that she rediscovered her love for fitness.
Fara emphasizes the importance of removing the competitive element from exercise, especially for children. She believes that childhood experiences in sports and activities can create lasting barriers to staying active. By reframing exercise as fun and non-competitive, more young people may feel encouraged to engage in movement.
Partnering with Nuffield Health on their Move Together campaign, Fara is working to provide free fitness classes for young girls, aiming to make exercise enjoyable and accessible. She advocates for focusing on the joy of being active rather than the pressures of competition.
For Fara, exercise is now a source of pleasure and well-being, devoid of the need to prove herself to others. By taking away the competitive mindset, she has found a newfound confidence in staying active and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
To learn more about Fara Williams' journey and the Move Together campaign, check out Nuffield Health's website.