Happy International Women’s Day.

Today I want to share my gratitude for the women who raised me. Next to love, the most important value my Mum and Grandmothers instilled in me was movement.

Over the years, moving my body has become one of my core pillars — something I always return to. It grounds me. It’s my favourite hobby. It’s the backdrop to so many happy memories and a big part of what defines me.

What a gift!

Movement has seen me:

• Snowboard in France

• Quad bike in the Dubai desert

• Whitewater raft down the Zambezi

• Snorkel in the Red Sea

• Hike the Inka trail in Peru

• Ski in Canada

• Standup paddleboard in Hawaii

• Dragon Boat race along the Brisbane River

• Learn to kickbox in London

• Bust out millennial dance moves in clubs and my car

• Play team sports like hockey, softball, and touch footy

• Join gyms

• Start my own exercise-based physio business

• Become a Pilates instructor

• Later this year, to trek in Nepal

Moving my body brings me happiness. The health benefits are almost secondary.

Now menopausal, I’m trying to adopt thoughtful exercise practices that align with what the evidence tells us about ageing well.

Women are not like men in the exercise space. Our bodies move through different seasons — sometimes four seasons in one day if you ask my husband.

How we move can be shaped by hormones, pregnancy, menstruation, pelvic floor or gynaecological conditions, or simply having a child attached to our hip.

So show yourself compassion. 

It doesn’t have to be perfect — just good enough.

In recent years, there has been a surge of online conflict about what exercise is “best”.

Strength vs Pilates. Influencers and health professionals are calling each other out.

People are trying to discredit one another.

Honestly, it can leave my head spinning — so I can’t imagine how confusing it must feel for women who don’t work in the health space.

Confusion breeds fear. And fear makes people freeze.

When that happens, the debate about the “best” type of exercise becomes pointless — because people stop moving altogether.

There are published National Physical Activity Guidelines for all Australians that outline recommended exercise doses.

But don’t get lost in the detail.

Don’t let anxiety about “getting it right” overshadow the joy that movement can bring.

Movement creates connection.

Connection builds belonging.

And belonging helps us share life’s burdens.

Variety really is the spice of life.

Move your body in different ways:

• Some that build strength

• Some that support your core

• Some that glide and stretch your tissues

• Some that lift your heart rate

• Some that challenge your balance and coordination

And most importantly, choose ones that make you smile and laugh.

In the words of my late Grandma:

“While you can move, you should move.”

Happy International Women’s Day. 

Yours in health and happiness,

Briony.