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Welcome!! 🤗
Hi, Connie here! Dropping in to say hello 👋
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I hope you all had a very merry Christmas 🌟 🎄 and thankyou for the overwhelming support so far on this venture! Today marks the exciting launch of Your Athletic BFF, a passion project I've been brewing, brought to you by The Female Athlete Club. I couldn’t wish for a better time than this season of warmth and cheer to share something that's so close to my heart – a fresh and vibrant community dedicated to women's sports and health!
Your Athletic BFF will cover trends that are redefining our sports and health experiences as women, and creating a space where every voice is heard and every story matters. This newsletter isn't just about delivering content; it's about building a conversation and a community that's driving change.
🔔 Twice every week, I'll be dropping into your inbox with something that I hope will add a little ✨extra✨ to your day, whether you're crushing it in the gym 🏋️♀️, pausing for a breather in your busy schedule 😌, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a cuppa ☕️. The goal is to make each edition a mix of empowering insights, practical tips, and fresh perspectives on women’s sports, fitness, and health 🚀.
This read isn’t just about sharing info, but to connect, educate, and empower women of all ages and all stages of life. I can’t wait to connect with each and every one of you in our shared love for sports, physical activity and health. Let’s redefine what it means to be a female athlete in today's world 🌍 and finally control the narrative! 🚺
Can’t wait to chat soon—Connie 🥰
Today's Chat:
Health Hacks & Power Plays 🏋️♀️
Menopause: Redefining the Conversation
This week, we're spotlighting 'Rock My Menopause,' an initiative dedicated to transforming the way we perceive and talk about menopause. As #menovists, we’re joining hands with anyone experiencing perimenopause or menopause, friends, partners, leaders, or healthcare professionals, to shift menopause from a taboo topic to a mainstream conversation 🗣️.
It’s more than just a campaign; it’s a resource-rich platform offering guides, information, and support for those navigating this natural life stage. It's about creating a supportive community where the experiences and challenges of menopause are openly shared and understood.
Breaking the Period Stigma 🩸
Game Changing. Period., a pioneering initiative in South Australia, aims to reshape the narrative 🙌 around menstruation 🩸 in sports.
Launched with the support of Volleyball SA, Netball SA, Football SA, and Pelvic Pain Foundation Australia, it is part of the Malinaukas Labor Government's $450,000 investment through the Active State Collaboration program. This program challenges period-related taboos, encouraging inclusive and open discussions. Its objectives include developing educational resources, training sports participants, and driving a social media campaign to alter perceptions about menstruation. The initiative builds on the 2022 campaign "I’m an Athlete. Period." and emphasizes normalizing period conversations in sports.
UK Sport is Redefining Support for Pregnant Athletes With New Pregnancy Guidance 🤰🏅
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Updated from its 2021 version, the new guidance offers comprehensive support for athletes 🙌. The guidance aims to ensure that pregnancy and elite sports aren't mutually exclusive. It covers everything from fertility and sleep patterns to diet and breastfeeding, and even managing multiple pregnancies 🤱. An Athlete Pregnancy Network is also part of the package, providing a community 🗣️ for new mothers. This move emphasizing the well-being of athletes and their families, is another major step forward in supporting female athletes during this pivotal time 👏.
Community Corner ☕️
Beating the Winter Blues with a Supportive, All-Female Running Community. 🏃♀️💪
Running isn't just about fitness; it's a journey of empowerment, especially with These Girls Run. Founded by Molly Slater-Davison, this all-female running club is redefining running for women and non-binary individuals in the UK.
Partnering with Sweaty Betty, These Girls Run hosts inclusive 5k runs, welcoming everyone, regardless of pace or experience. It's more than just exercise; it's about building friendships 👯, feeling safe 🛟, and enjoying a post-run chat over coffee ☕️. Their latest Winter Safety campaign further highlights their commitment to empowering women runners in every season ❄️.
🔗 Learn more about joining this inspiring group here 🌟👟
Fuelling the Fire 🔥
🔴 Tackling REDs: A Must-Read Resource for Anybody Who Exercises 🚴
In the dynamic world of sports health, REDinSport emerges as a crucial resource for athletes, coaches, and training enthusiasts.
Shedding light on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), this initiative aims to address the critical yet often overlooked issue of under-fueling in anybody who is physically active. With a comprehensive approach combining expert knowledge and ongoing research, it offers invaluable insights and preventative strategies. It's not just about enhancing performance; it's about safeguarding health. Dive into this pivotal topic and join the movement towards informed, healthier athletic practices by exploring REDinSport. It's more than just a resource; it's a game-changer in sports health awareness.
Trendsetters & Game Changers 🚀
The Players Fund Welcomes Top Female Athletes 🌟🏅
The Players Fund, UK's first athlete-led venture capital (VC) firm (click to find out what exactly VC is— don’t worry I gotchu 😉), adds sporting icons like Jessica Ennis-Hill and Allyson Felix as partners, aiming to empower female athletes in the entrepreneurial sphere.
🌍🤳 Culturati's latest report reveals how Gen Z is reshaping sports fandom.
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With 91% viewing sports as a key social connector and a platform for social progress, understanding this generation's unique perspective is crucial for women’s sports orgs and brands.
How the new wave is flipping the sports script for women’s sports 🌍🤳: Gen Z's emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and meaningful experiences in sports highlights the need for authentic engagement strategies. Dive into the insights on how cultural nuances influence sports fandom among Gen Z here.
🚀 Athlete's Corner 🚀: Your TikTok Q&A 🎙️
Your TikTok Q’s Explored 🏃♀️📲
In "Athlete's Corner," we explore popular TikTok questions we’ve found in the comments with a special lens on life-long female athletes. Here, we blend educational reads we approve of with practical implications.
(Just a reminder that this is not medical advice and you should always seek personalized advice from a healthcare professional!)
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TTQ 🙋♀️ : How Do I Breathe Properly While Running? 😮💨
Mastering breathing whilst running is key to good running performance (and enjoyment!). The 2:2 technique (inhale for two steps, exhale for two) is a popular breathing technique that can help maintain a rhythmic breathing pattern, crucial for efficient oxygen delivery and stamina during runs. Check out this resource for a detailed guide from lululemon.
TTQ 🙋♀️: How Does One Become a Runner Girl? 🏃♀️
Thinking about embarking on your running journey in 2024? Start by setting achievable goals and gradually increasing your distance and pace. Embrace the journey, regardless of speed – if you're running, you're a runner! For inspiration, follow beginner runners on TikTok, like former D1 athlete @gabbyaverill, who shares relatable content about starting slow and steady. For a comprehensive guide on beginning your running adventure that we approve of, check out Women's Health - Run For It.
TTQ 🙋♀️: Does My Period Affect My Training?🩸 🏋️♀️
It's complicated, but probably not as much as you think! Research, like the one detailed in this National Geographic article, suggests there's no solid proof yet that syncing your workouts with your menstrual cycle influences your training. While some fitness influencers on TikTok might tell you to lift heavy during certain phases of your cycle, experts like Xanne Janse de Jonge and Jayson Gifford are saying, "Hold up, we need more data first!" 📊
Your cycle does bring some hormonal rollercoasters, which can affect how you feel, but it does not necessarily mean you should switch up your HIIT sessions for yoga based on the calendar. 📆
Bottom line: Keep tracking your cycle to see how you feel, but don't let it dictate your workout routine. Your body knows best, so listen to it! 💪🔍
TTQ 🙋♀️: How Do I Avoid Shin Splints? 😣
Navigating the world of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), a.k.a 'shin splints,' can feel like decoding a complex puzzle. While many people brush it off as a minor nuisance, the story is more nuanced than you might think! According to Physiopedia, MTSS is a frequent flyer in the world of runners and jumpers, but its impact varies widely. 🌐
Experts point out that MTSS is not just a 'one-size-fits-all' kind of deal. It ranges from simple shin pain to a precursor of tibial stress fractures – yikes! 🚨 But before you hit the panic button, remember that knowledge is power here. Understanding the symptoms (like that nagging pain along your shin) and recognizing risk factors (hello, rapid increase in running volume out of nowhere!) are key. 🗝️
So, should you just rest and hope for the best? Not quite. The approach to tackling MTSS is as tailored as your Spotify playlist. It might involve some chill time, yes, but also a deep dive into things like physiotherapy, footwear, strengthening and stretching, surface switch up, diet (hello calcium 🦴 and vit d 🌞), BMI and biomechanics. Think of it like tweaking your running shoes or mixing up your training routine. 👟🔄
Bottom line: Don't let MTSS sideline you. Stay alert to your body's signals and make sure you don't shy away from seeking expert advice. Your shins will thank you! 🌟🦵
In Case You Missed It 📰
ICYMI ☕️
🌍⚽ FIFA launched a project focusing on women athletes' health and performance, another progressive move for females in sports and physical activity! 🎉💪 Learn more here
Exploring Women's Preferences in Pelvic Floor Screening in Sports 🧐🏃♀️ A BMJ blog post delves into women's preferences for pelvic floor screening in sports, a crucial step towards personalized healthcare for women. Learn more about this research on BMJ.
UEFA Tackles ACL Injuries in Women's Football 🏥⚽ UEFA launches an initiative focused on addressing the high rate of ACL injuries in women's football, aiming to enhance player safety and career longevity. Discover more about UEFA's initiative on Forbes.
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🚺🏋️♀️ Sportswear Revolution: Boosting Women's Confidence and Safety in Sports 🏏 PUMA's innovative efforts to support female athletes featured in Women's Agenda recently. Learn how they're preventing injuries, enhancing comfort, and empowering girls and women in sports! Read More 💪👟
🍏 Apple, NIH, and Harvard Join Forces for Women's Health Study 📚 Apple, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Harvard University, is embarking on a groundbreaking research study aimed at enhancing women's health. This long-term initiative will delve into various aspects of women's well-being, including menstrual cycles, fertility, menopause, and more. Read more 🚺💡
Breakthrough in Pregnancy Sickness Research 🤰🔬 A Cambridge-led study uncovers the cause of pregnancy sickness and proposes potential treatments, marking a significant advancement in maternal health. Read more about this study on the NIHR website.
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UK Approves Non-Hormonal Menopause Treatment Veoza 🌿💊 The UK greenlights Veoza, a new non-hormonal treatment for menopause symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, marking a significant step in women's health. Read the full story on BBC.
A Big Year for Women's Sports 🏐⚽🏒🏀 2023 saw significant growth in women's sports with new teams and leagues announced in volleyball, soccer, hockey, and basketball across North America, highlighting an exciting era of expansion and opportunity. Read more at Sports Business Journal.
Women's Sports Shoes Market Set for Growth 🚀👟 The Women's Sports Shoes Market is projected to grow significantly from 2024 to 2031, with diverse offerings like outdoor, sports-inspired, and performance footwear driving the market forward.
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🥰 Share Your Athletic BFF 👯
The Ultimate Girl’s Club for All Female Athletes
Hi! Don’t keep us a secret 🤫. Tell all of your friends about our growing community and mission to change the game for all women on social! Every share makes a difference 🤗.
Here’s our newsletter sign-up link: www.yourathleticbff.com.
Can’t wait to chat again next week! 😄
C ☺️
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