• Taking place from 12th-19th June, the first-ever This Girl Can Week celebrates how exercise can make women feel happier, stronger and free 
• After a year in which many women have felt unable to put their own needs first, TGC Week is encouraging women across the country to take time to ‘choose you’ 
• Boss Gym is supporting the week by offering free day passes to all local residents who want to come and try out Boss Gym to restart their fitness journey. 
  
  After a year of disruption and women’s activity levels decreasing, the This Girl Can campaign is encouraging all women to take time out to get active with a dedicated ‘This Girl Can Week’ from 12th-19th June. 
   
  The week comes following Sport England’s research which shows that women have particularly struggled to maintain their activity habits during the coronavirus pandemic. Further data shows that women are less likely to return to activity than men, with the most prevalent barriers including not feeling fit enough, childcare responsibilities and worries about COVID-19. 
  
  With the message of ‘it’s time to choose you’ in mind, the week is about putting the spotlight on women and exercise, celebrating how getting active can make women feel happier, stronger, and free. Whether they choose to do a brisk walk, a slow run, a trip to the pool or dance round the living room with friends – it all counts. 
  
  Boss Gym will be supporting the week, encouraging women in Eastbourne to ‘choose you’ and get active in a way that works for them for the benefit of their wellbeing. 
  
  Boss Gym are offering free day passes and taster classes for the fight club from the 12th – 19th June. It is also the launch of the Boss’s Gym own female led campaign to inspire more women in the local area to join gyms and fight clubs to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Boss Gym recognises that many gyms can be daunting and want to break down stereotypes and show how welcoming and supportive gyms can be. 
  
  With the message of ‘it’s time to choose you’ in mind, the week is about putting the spotlight on women and exercise, celebrating how getting active can make women feel happier, stronger, and free. Whether they choose to do a brisk walk, a slow run, a trip to the pool or dance round the living room with friends – it all counts. 
  
  

This Girl Can will be sharing stories on social media, suggesting activities, and stimulating discussions throughout the week, helping to support women to get involved in physical activity at their own pace, regardless of fitness levels or ability.  

Kate Dale, This Girl Can Campaign Lead, said: 

“We know that the last year has been especially difficult for women when it comes to doing something for themselves, particularly when it comes to getting physically active.  

“The work we do through This Girl Can aims to frame exercise in a way that highlights each and every benefit we can all get from moving more, like feeling healthier, better mental and emotional health, flexibility, building strength and – most importantly – having fun.  

Through our first-ever This Girl Can Week, we want to help inspire and encourage women to become more active while showcasing the many fantastic ways they can do so. No matter your shape, size or ability, now is the time to choose you and celebrate moving your body in whatever way makes you feel good.” 

Suzie Volkes, Boss Gym, said: 

“I know from personal experience, how intimidating starting your health and fitness journey can be, and that can really hinder or stop women completely from making those healthy changes. Boss Gym was created specifically as a place where everyone would feel welcome and supported in health and fitness plans, and for us this is all about how we can play our part in supporting women in area to get started and build that confidence.”  

Inspiring local case study Nix Florides discusses her experience keeping active, and what the ‘This Girl Can Week’ means to them:  

“5 years ago I found out I had a hormone imbalance (thyroid), instead of taking the doctors advice to go on thyroxine pills for the rest of my life, I decided to start my fitness journey at the gym! Eating a more regular balanced diet, I train twice a week with my personal trainer Matt with weights, Muay Thai once a week with Dinko my instructor and once a week with my boxing coach Paul. I also do another session on HIIT and circuits. 5 days a week in total, keeping me happy and balanced and happy.  

I have managed my hormone imbalance with good natural foods and regular exercise and training has saved me from going on long term medication. Sometimes all you need to do is walk into a gym and find what suits you. 

Down at Boss Gym, the options are endless, from weights and equipment to boxing, an MMA area and a studio where I can set up my circuits and stretch, I never want to go home! 

This Girl Can Week  is so important as any women who might be worries or anxious about going to the gym, just needs to know it is the BEST thing I ever did and my blood tests prove that.”