Merseyfit Magazine by Christy Jade Biggar

T I F Y E S R ME

WOMEN YOUR GUIDE TO

’S FITNESS IN M

ERSEYSIDE

MAGAZINE

CrossFit FITNESS FAD OR GENIUS?

Roller derby

Model: Eiliscia Downie-Ntemo

ON | £2 .50 MM ER ED ITI MAY 20 16 | SU

INTRO TO THE LEAGUE

VAVA ZOOM! E

MEET TH RUNNERS WHO ARE INSPIRING WOMEN

Rowing

15 FIT IN

MINUTES

NOT JUST FOR THE ELITE

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EDITOR’S WORD Welcome to the first edition of Merseyfit Magazine, the only magazine dedicated to the health and fitness of women in Merseyside. I have tried to tell the story of different women who take part in different sports across the region. These amazing women have offered their time and in turn, a little piece of themselves for this magazine and I am very grateful. My wish is that you will take what you read today and grow as a person, helping you in any way it can along your health and fitness journey. Exercise isn’t just about spending hours on the cross-trainer. Run through a forest, jump into a boat and go rowing in the sunshine, crash into a new you with roller derby, or find a sense of community at a CrossFit gym. The opportunities are endless. Thank you so much for picking up Merseyfit Magazine, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading it just as much as I enjoyed creating it.

CHRISTY JADE BIGGAR EDITOR

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Contents 7

15 MINUTE WORKOUT If you’re looking to strengthen your body, try this short calisthenics (body-weight) workout which you can do just about anywhere! Just don’t blame Merseyfit Magazine if you get some funny looks in the supermarket.

All the latest trends in fitness gear. No matter the weather, you’re sure to look stylish if you pick up some of these goodies!

©Pexels

CHILLS FOR WHO?

No need to fret over mentally calculating the calories in your curry, ice cream or steak. We’ve found some great simple swaps for you to try this summer to keep you on track, without limiting your fun!

FASHIONABLY FIT & SLAYING IT

THE GIRL ON FIRE How does a runner start their journey? We spoke to Claire Marsden, a 21-year-old runner who powered through lost love and took on the Madrid half-marathon. Did she finish? Read on to find out.

CROSSFIT THIS IN CrossFit coach, kickass mum and inspiration to women across Merseyside, Merseyfit Magazine speaks to Lisa Marie Simon, who swears by the high-intensity exercise and even opened up a CrossFit gym with her husband.

ROW AND GO Think you can try your hand at rowing this summer? Liverpool Victoria Rowing Club speaks about the benefits of rowing, and how it’s not just for the elite - anyone can row. A helpful guide to anyone interested in alternate ways to get fit.

16 ROLLER DERBY

Wirral female Roller Derby Team the Savage Lilies talk to Merseyfit Magazine about the sport which is taking the UK by storm.

MUMS TO MARATHONS After battling depresssion and the death of her father, Rachel Brown completely reinvented herself and along the way created a community of 600 plus runners, called ‘Mums to Marathons’, who have raised over £200,000 for children’s charity Claire House Children’s Hospice.

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SUMMER READY

FORWARD

ÂŠPexels

THINKING

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With lovely sunny weather hitting the Costa del Mersey, it’s no surprise you’re sat there thinking, “It can’t be May yet. It was just Christmas!” Trust me, you are not alone. If you’re dreading squeezing on that holiday bikini, or you want some tips to be a little less naughty on your travels, we’re here to help!

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SIMPLE SWAPS

Instead of a glass of calorie-filled wine, try one of the simplest cocktails going. Vodka, lime and soda. Having a single shot of vodka with fresh lime juice is around 60 calories a time

OMG!

Try these summer slim down swaps to help you stay focused and enjoying yourself. We know you can’t live your life without socialising, eating out or drinks with the girls. But who says it has to ruin your diet? These tips will help you exert control over summer’s biggest temptations.

Other simple swaps:

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Instead of a McDonald’s Big Mac, have a chicken shish kebab. Burger buns are a huge chunk of your recommended daily allowance of fat. A chicken shish kebab is a better choice, but skip the mayonnaise and opt for hot sauce. Capsaicin (ingredient in hot sauce) revs your metabolism, and is only 2 calories per tbsp. Order a sirloin tip side steak instead of a ribeye. On average, a sirloin has 206 calories, in comparison to a whopping 466 in a ribeye. Sirloin is leaner, has a higher percentage of omega-3 fatty acids and has a far healthier fat to protein balance of 1:8. Ribeye’s is 1:1. Avoid!

Ditch coleslaw for a Greek salad. Feta contains CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a type of fat which helps you burn fat!

If you’re going for brunch, try the Mexican dish of Huevos rancheros (500 calories) instead of everyone’s favourite Eggs Benedict (800 calories). Hollandaise sauce has 7g of fat per tbsp, but the beans and salsa in Huevos rancheros is full of fibre.

Swap your creamy Korma or Masala (with around 800 calories and at least 40g fat), for a Rogan Josh or Jalfrezi. The sauce is reduced and the tomato base means the damage is limited to 350 calories and 20g fat.

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parlour Say ‘No’ to s. ice cream ter py is ligh Mr Whip avoid t u other, b than any king in r p s ! Try the sauce instead. on nuts

WORKOUT

minute workout

THE POWER PUSH-UP

Stand with your feet together, then bend forwards from your hips and walk out until you’re in a plank position. Do a push up, then walk yourself back up. Try five sets of 45 seconds each. Scared? You should be!

If you’re looking to strengthen your body, don’t be tempted to lift an extreme amount of weight straight away. Start by using your own body weight, as heavy weight can put your muscles under unnecessary pressure and increase your risk of injury. Body weight training is efficient and improves your cardio and flexbility all in one! Try this four-step workout three times per week for a leaner, more toned body.

THE EXTREME SQUAT JUMP

Lower yourself into a full squat, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart, until your legs are at a 90-degree angle. Use all your effort and explode into a jump, landing with your feet slightly further apart. Repeat, taking your feet wider apart each time you land. Try 5 sets of 45 seconds. Phew!

THE KILLER LEG LIFT

Pictures © Christy Jade Biggar Model: Rebecca Andrews

THE SUPER SIDE-LUNGE If you have one, grab a Swiss ball and stand beside it with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step your right leg out into a deep side lunge, and push the Swiss ball out with your left hand using the ball to balance. (Tip: If you don’t have a Swiss ball - use a stool or a chair) Try 5 sets for 45 seconds. Get as low as you can!

Lie down with a Swiss ball between your ankles. Lift it to a 45 degree angle. Using your feet, rotate the ball to the right, and punch it four times, and alternate your fists. Repeat and rotate it to the left, then keep swapping sides for 5 sets of 45 seconds.

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y l b a n o Fashi

Fit

! t i ’ n i & slay

Above: Nike Free TR 5 Flyknit women’s training shoe. Lightweight and extremely flexible, the shoe is versitile and can be worn for almost any cardio sport and strength training as it provides extra support. Quick - they’re now on sale at store.nike.com for £73.49

British weather is so unpredictable, so here is some fashionable fitness gear to keep you going whatever the weather.

Left: Nike Pro Rival women’s sports bra. © Under

With two cups, much like a normal bra, this will give you support and reign the girls in when you’re trying out high-energy workouts.

Armour

Available at store.nike.com for £40

Above: Under Armour Favourite All-Over Word Mark legging

Right:

Famed for its athletic feel, comfort and performance, it’s surprising UA’s leggings look this good! Go on - rock the monochrome look this summer.

Higherstate Freedom (5 pack) running sock Don’t underestimate a good pair of socks! The technical fabric in these socks allow you to exercise harder without sweaty feet affecting your performance.

www.underarmour.co.uk £45

www.sportsshoes.com £9.99 © SportsShoes.co m

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Right: Adidas StellaSport three-quarter sweat pants.

The bold patterns and pops of colour will help you stand out this summer. The performance fabric will keep you feeling dry and comfortable no matter how much you sweat. www.adidas.co.uk £40 Above:

Adidas Women Originals French Terry hoodie

With the a similar pop of colour as the Stella McCartney three-quarter sweat pants, this hoodie is a touch more subtle. www.adidas.co.uk £45

Right: Speedo Women’s Monogram Allover two-piece swimsuit Bring a touch of style to the pool with this two-piece set. The multi-directional stretch material makes it great for training in the pool. Aqua Zumba, anyone?

Below: Nike Legendary Fabric Twist women’s training tights

www.speedostore.co.uk £34

These flattering tights are perfect for yoga as they are flexibile and comfortable. You’ll look great as well!

www.Store.Nike.com £60

Left: Pinapple Gym Vest

www.very.co.uk £20

The dancewear superstar brand Pinapple have a whole range of great looking gym kit. It doesn’t even need to be worn solely in the gym - it’s that flattering! © Very

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Pictures ÂŠ Claire Marsden

e r i a l C sden r a M IRL ON E THE

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FIR

We all know the classic line from our favourite Tom Hanks film, “I just felt like running”. Just like Forrest, thousands of us have started running for fun, fitness or for weight loss. But how does a runner start their journey?

utting one foot infront of the other and changing your lifestyle can be difficult, especially if you don’t think you’re up to the standards of the sport. Believe it or not, you have what it takes. You may just need a little push from someone who’s been there before. Claire Marsden, 21, of running club Wallasey Athletic says she is proof anyone can run: “You don’t need to be stick thin to get around a course, it’s all about determination. If you want to, you can do it.” Claire was first inspired to run when she was part of a crowd of supporters, cheering for her sister Louise to finish a half marathon. The spirited atmosphere motivated her to start running in 2013, but life and love soon got in the way. A tale we all have struggled with at some point in our life. A heartbreak or so later, Claire began running again to keep her mind off relationship woes. She described: “I was just staying at home and not doing anything at all, really. I wouldn’t even walk to work and that’s only half a mile away. If I could have stayed in bed, I would have.”

Determined to stay focused, she was soon driven to challenge herself, testing her fitness to the limit putting one foot in front of the other, quite literally, to run the Madrid half marathon last month. To prepare herself for longer runs, Claire joined Wallasey Athletic Club, who train twice per week, and she soon developed a bond with her fellow club members. She said: “I was embarrassed to run by myself, and to find the motivation to get up and go. I had to wait for my sister to be free to go with her. Joining the club was the best thing I did. There’s always someone there who will run with you so you’re never left behind.” Running on a treadmill is something Claire also dreads: “It’s horrible. You don’t get the same fresh air and it’s too hot inside a gym. Treadmill running is boring and you’re not going anywhere, you’re not seeing anything.” The day before a race and the morning of, Claire ensures her body is hydrated by drinking plenty of water,

and eating chicken and pasta to fuel up for the challenge ahead. Although Claire had completed two other half marathon runs, the atmosphere of the Spanish capital’s half marathon was vastly different because of the language barrier. She described: “Usually to distract myself if I’m struggling, I’ll talk to the people I’m running with. Just small talk ‘Have you done this one before?’ or ‘This is tough!’ but it was quite overwhelming because there weren’t many English speakers. There was loads of support around the course but they were all shouting stuff in Spanish! “I had to slow down because I had a stitch and a Spanish woman started speaking to me, all I could say was ‘Si, si’ and we couldn’t understand each other. She carried on going and turned back and shouted ‘Enhale!’ it might have been the only English she knew.” It was a hot, humid day and the course was miles of hilly terrain, but in the end Claire finished the Madrid half marathon and her medal is proudly on display. She is now in training for her next big challenge, a triathlon.

“Try not to be embarrassed to run outside, people aren’t actually looking at you. The only people who notice runners are other runners, and they’re encouraging too with a nod and a smile.” Claire Marsden (right) and sister Louise, before completing the Madrid half marathon in April 2016 | MagazineMagazine Template | 11 | Merseyfit

CROSSFIT

Lisa Marie Simon CrossFit Coach

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few years, you will have heard of CrossFit. Merseyfit Magazine caught up with coach and fitness inspiration, Lisa Marie Simon, to see what it’s all about. When Lisa Marie first heard of CrossFit, she was heading in another fitness direction – bodybuilding. Lisa’s lifestyle had changed for the better but she heard rumours that CrossFit would make her weak and she’d lose the muscle she’d worked so hard to build. Now two years later, Lisa and husband Neil are both CrossFit coaches in their own gym, CrossFit Sempiternal in Wallasey and swear by the high-energy workouts and love how they’ve found a community in CrossFit. Coach and co-founder Lisa said: “At the regular gym, I didn’t know a single person’s name. Now my best friend is someone I’ve met through CrossFit. “For our members, we have socials as well with BBQ and beers and there’s a real sense of friendship in the classes.” Before CrossFit and bodybuilding, Lisa looked very different to the strong woman you see today.

Pictures © Pete Williamson Photography

After a lifetime of being very underweight, she decided she wanted a change: “I didn’t feel feminine and lots of my friends filled-out their dresses and jeans, I always wore leggings because jeans were too baggy for me. I probably had one meal per day, and apart from trying Zumba and a bums and tums class once or twice, I’d never done any exercise.” With bodybuilding, Lisa ate five low-carb, low-fat, high-protein meals per day, and added protein shakes and mass gainers to her diet. Lisa at the Winter Rainhill trials, a competition open to atheletes across the UK

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“

Now, Lisa is adamant that health is key and tries not to eat anything with more than one ingredient.

calisthenics (body weight exercises) and Olympic lifting, but classes are tailored to your specifications.

But mentally, she feel’s its important to not to think of food as a diet: “I try to eat natural foods and I measure my food now but I do still enjoy myself.

She described: “The workouts are all recommended for each person but if you can’t do something, like pull-ups, then you could try a drop pull-up.

“I’m not going to be miserable eating broccoli every day or thinking ‘When is this diet over?’

“If you’ve had an injury then we’ll scale the workout down to make it accessible as well.

“I keep my diet maintainable and if I have a chocolate bar I’m not going to starve myself for days, or if I want a takeaway I’ll just keep an eye on the portion sizes so I don’t overindulge.”

“Anyone can do CrossFit. Our youngest member is four years old, and our oldest is in their sixties, but some gyms have members who are ninety. “

Every CrossFit gym across the world is different, physically, to a regular gym as there is no equipment in the traditional sense of the word. It might sound strange, but say goodbye to the treadmill and hello to rings, as CrossFit is designed to make you stronger and fitter with elements such as aerobic exercise,

Although four-years old and in a gym sounds a bit crazy, CrossFit gyms all over the world have CrossFit Kids classes. Children don’t lift weights, but they are designed get children moving and the classes grow with them through to CrossFit Teen classes. Lisa is also mum to six-year-old daughter Evie, but uses her own

Pictures © Pete Williamson Photography

Women will come in saying ‘I want to lose weight’ but down the line, their goals change. They want to be able to lift heavier weights or do a really high boxjump. There’s beauty in their fitness, not just in the way they look.”

advice to help her stay motivated: “It’s hard to get to the gym every day, but it’s not hard to train every day. You can train from home and try and eat well. But if you want to, you’ll make the time. “If you’ve got time to pop to the shops for an hour, why not go to the gym for an hour?” Some women are put off from trying CrossFit as they’ve heard it’s more of a masculine sport, but most classes are more women than men. Lisa said: “Don’t be scared. What I’ve noticed is that women will come in saying ‘I want to lose weight’ but down the line, their goals change. “They want to be able to lift heavier weights or do a really high boxjump. There’s beauty in their fitness, instead of just in the way they look.” She added: “You’ve got your coach who will welcome you as soon as you come in. You won’t be thinking ‘Why am I here?’ If you’re in doubt, come to a class and try it out!”

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? g n i w Ro

ROWING

of rowing as a way to get fit and Until now, you may not have thought sits in the corner can be ich wh ine ch ma ing row g kin loo sad e healthy. Th . British rowers are some gym the to ps tri ur yo on t ou ab n tte go easily for their skills are out of reach to the nk thi n’t do t bu , rld wo the in st be of the average woman in Merseyside. Founded in 1884, one of the North-West’s oldest rowing clubs is Liverpool Victoria. Sitting on the banks of the West Float near the Wallasey dock, the rowing club is used by more than 120 rowers. Of these, just under 40 rowers are women and the club firmly believes anyone can start rowing. Women’s captain and Coach Becky Andrews, 19, belongs to a long line of rowers, but is the first woman in her family to take up the sport and the youngest ever female captain of the club. Becky is adamant that anyone can start rowing, and the club is affiliated with Sport England’s ‘This Girl Can’ campaign.

She said: “It’s so important to provide an opportunity for someone who thinks, ‘I was rubbish at sports at school’. Don’t be self-conscious or afraid to try it out. You can enjoy rowing and really thrive at it! “There are so many pressures today on the average woman especially with social media, but real, normal women of all shapes and sizes are getting stuck in. We’ve had every type of person, size, shape, age, through the door. It’s not like any other sport, we’re a team and it’s fitting for everyone.” Before she first started the sport Becky’s grandad Geoff, now 77, took her to Liverpool Victoria to see how everything worked, hoping one day she’d pick up the

Women’s coach and captain Becky Andrews (left) and teammate Vanessa Eddie in a double rowing boat.

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reigns and catch the family rowing fever. Geoff’s brother Neville, now 82, was on the Cambridge University rowing team. Luckily for Geoff, Becky fell in love with the sport and was soon competing as a junior member, but she says there is no ‘set type’ of rower. She explained: “Someone who is 6 foot might be a great rower because they’re tall and they have reach, but if you’re 5 foot 2 and can work on your strength then you can be just as good as that 6 foot person. It’s all about how much effort you can put in for your body weight.” There are two categories for a rower’s body weight - light weight and heavy weight. This depends on whether you’re

ROWING

“It’s so important to provide an opportunity for someone who thinks, ‘I was rubbish at sports at school’. Don’t be selfconscious or afraid to try it out. You can enjoy rowing and really thrive!”

Becky (left) with teammates Michelle Fisher, Vanessa Eddie and Jayne Pumford after winning a silver medal at the British Indoor Rowing Championships

over 60 kilograms (9 stone 4.5 lbs for readers who prefer the imperial system). There can also be a distinct contrast to the location of your rowing. You’ll be able to pick up on this straight away if, when you look around you, you’re floating in the West Float dock. The other location for rowing is indoor in the Liverpool Victoria gym, on an ergometer – p.s that’s just a fancy name for a rowing machine.

When it comes to her diet, Becky is lucky as her boyfriend Cameron is a professional sous chef and cooks nutritious healthy meals. She said: “I’ll always try to eat as much protein as I can after a workout. Right now I have SIS protein gel too and that helps because it’s just like a yoghurt. “We both eat a lot of meat and chilli, meat balls or thai curry. We make our food in bulk so it’s quicker and cheaper too. I always try to have breakfast – porridge, shredded wheat or bananas on toast and for a

snack I’ll have cottage cheese, chicken out of the packet or my favourite – natural Greek yoghurt with strawberries and a little bit of honey.” One thing Becky is certain about is that you will find something you’re great at and enjoy. Even though you’ll have weaknesses which you can work on, you will always be useful to your team. She added: “If you feel like having a go come down or go to British Rowing’s website to search for your local club. “Some clubs have taster sessions for beginners as well. Or if you don’t like the sound of outdoor rowing, try and incorporate rowing into your exercises at the gym because it works every muscle in your body. Plus it’s fun!”

She said: “Some people are better at the summer rowing because they’re quite stocky and can put a lot of power in maybe one or two minutes. Some are really great at winter endurance rowing, particularly the lighter people as they can keep going for longer. “But anyone can row. We have a strong group of 60-year-old women who win races regularly, and they train two to

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If you want to take your rowing a step further, there are competitive races throughout the year for both outdoor and indoor rowing. Summer rowing focuses on sprints and timing, and winter rowing is longer races to test endurance. You can row in a single boat, a double, a quad or an eight and races are also split into experience categories – known as standards – from novice to elite level. Even the best rowers have had to start as a novice, including Becky, who is now at senior rowing level one standard under elite.

three times per week. Some have rowed for 30 years, other people come in when they’re 50 having never done any sport before and within a year, and they’re at the same level as everyone else.”

INSPIRATION

Rachel (centre, orange top) running through Port Sunlight Village at the annual BTR 10k event

THE GLORIOUS WOMEN OF

Mums to Marathons Merseyfit Magazine speaks to Rachel Brown, creator of running group ‘Mums to Marathons’ and how they are inspiring the world through their stories

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When you think of someone who’s an inspiration to you, what characteristics do you give them? Strong? Talented? Someone who doesn’t give up? Rachel Brown, 47, fits this description.

Rachel (fa runners r right) and a , nickn amed ‘T troop of ama zin he Ora nge Arm g Mums to M aratho y’ © Face n bo ok/Em

ma Fitz

A Merseyside mum who overcame depression, the death of her father, completely reinvented herself and along the way created a community of 600 plus runners, ‘Mums to Marathons’, who have raised over £200,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice.

gerald

Evans

Before she found herself through running, Rachel had struggled with depression for over twenty years. In her younger days, Rachel was a professional dancer and travelled abroad with her talents to the Far East and from this, was very conscious of the way she looked. After the birth of her three children she was left with post-natal depression, had put on a lot of weight and didn’t feel happy with her body. She described: “I was three stone heavier and I hated myself, I was so paranoid about my weight and someone had told me running was the best exercise for losing weight. I couldn’t run a mile, but I just kept trying and within a year, I’d ran a marathon.” © Facebook /Dawney Bo

Five years ago, the idea of Mum’s to Marathons was born when Rachel was pounding the streets of Wirral, and she suddenly had a moment of clarity.

den

She said: “When you’re a little girl, everything is innocent. You soon realise life isn’t perfect but in that moment, goose pimples ran down my whole body and I felt absolutely content. I thought ‘I’m a mum and I’ve ran a marathon.’ I just felt like crying. I went home poured my heart out in a post on Facebook.” That night, Rachel stayed awake until the late hours reading heartfelt messages from women from all over Merseyside who identified with her story, and asking if they could join her. Now, Mums to Marathons have a membership of over 600 women. There are hubs of runners around the UK, and Rachel is opening two new hubs in Liverpool and Warrington in the coming months.

Rachel has now ran the London marathon and trekked through the Sahara desert for Claire House. This October she will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and will be combating the Grand Canyon next March, with a group from of her Mums to Marathons running family. What Rachel is certain about is that you don’t have to be affected by depression, or a mum, to join Mums to Marathons. She said: “There are women out there who are feeling low and past their sell-by-date. But you only have one life and I don’t want anybody in this world to be sad, especially women.” If Rachel’s incredible story sounds like it’s up your street and you want to join the ever-growing running family, you can contact her through her website, www.mumstomarathons.co.uk or through their Facebook group ‘Rachel’s Mums to Marathons.’

ns.co.uk

The idea of raising money wasn’t initially in Rachel’s plan when she started running, but many people wanted to sponsor her along her journey. She said: “Friends asked if I was taking sponsorship for my running and I chose Claire House because the hospice had looked after my friends children before they sadly passed away. I went up to the fundraising building and the rest is history.”

Within each hub, the groups are closer than family, and say “We’re sisters from other mothers”. There is also a hub in Australia, and the clubs ethos: “It’s not about the finishing time, it’s the finishing line” is reaching women all over the world.

“

the t u o b a t o n It’s e. finishing time It’s about th . e n i l g n i h s i n fi

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r e l l Ro DERBY Wirral Roller Derby league team the Savage Lilies, named after Paul O’Grady’s alter-ego Lily Savage, speaks to Merseyfit Magazine about the fast-growing sport.

are currently placed at 39th in Europe out of a 400 team roster.

The sport is played by more than 1,250 amateur leagues around the world, and over half of these are outside of the United States, where the sport was conceived.

As well as their female A team, Wirral Roller Derby also has a male A team, the Pack Animals, which is rare as the sport is generally femaledominated. The league’s female B team, Tiger Lilies, is also growing in strength.

he world of roller derby is a mystery to some, and a home to others.

To score points, a jammer must lap the opposing team. The blockers play both an offensive and defensive position in each match, holding off the opposing team’s jammer from getting through their human barricade, as again, the only person who can score for either team is their jammer. Roller derby members skate under pseudonyms, or ‘derby names’. Stephanie Blakeley, captain of Wirral Roller Derby team Savage Lilies, is known as Steph Leopard. A wonderful play on English rock band Def Leppard.

The Savage Lil

ies in a team ta

Four years ago, before Steph was a member of the Savage Lilies, she was inspired to search for a league after she watched a feature about Liverpool roller derby team ‘Liverpool Roller Birds’ on the local news. This was around the same time the film ‘Whip It’ came out, featuring Ellen Page as a young woman who finds herself through the high-energy sport. Steph described: “It was something I had to do. It seemed like a really clever, innovative sport and I wasn’t disappointed. “I found out about Wirral Roller Derby on Facebook and they were having a recruitment event so I decided to go Steph Leopard, Ca

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ptain of the Savage

Lilies

keley

Steph’s team, the Savage Lilies, named after Paul O’Grady’s alter-ego Lily Savage,

Both A teams are in the British Roller Derby Championships, and they travel around the UK competing.

If you haven’t heard of it before, imagine two teams of five women in quad roller skates, speeding their way around an ovalshaped indoor track, trying by any (legal) means necessary to get a member of their team (a jammer) through a human wall of women (blockers), whilst holding back the other team.

Competing in roller derby has also given Steph a new confidence in her body: “I was very conscious, but I appreciate now my body is solid and strong and it allows me to compete to the best of my ability.” She added: “My fitness has definitely improved and my body shape has changed as a result of roller derby. It’s great exercise without even realising it, because you’re concentrating on the game and having so much fun.” A few times per week the team works on their core training. The sessions are high intensity, but Steph believes everyone is capable of playing roller derby.

She said: “It helps to have a basic level of fitness, but it’s not compulsory. We accept all individuals of every shape and size. “Part of our training schedule is endurance and stamina, so gradually your fitness increases anyway. Many of us travel to boot camps hosted by world-class skaters to learn new drills, and we often pay for guest coaches from national teams to coach us at our training sessions.”

along. Roller derby has changed my life in every way. I was instantly welcomed into a new family and a new friendship group. All my teammates are very close and we have a real support network both on and off the track.”

Steph Leop ard (second from right) celebrate a and team win for the Savage Lilie s

Roller derby is slowly becoming more popular across the UK and if you want to join, it’s not hard to find a league near you. As for Steph, she couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the Wirral Roller Derby league. The team train at Leasowe Leisure Centre and have a rolling intake on Sundays from 5-7pm. To find out more, tweet @WirralRD or like their Facebook page.

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T I F Y E S MER

YOUR GUIDE TO

WOMEN’S FITN

E S IN MERSEYSID

MAY 2016 | SUMMER EDITION | £2.50

MAGAZINE

Merseyfit Magazine would like to thank everyone who has made this magazine possible. Cover model Eiliscia Downie-Ntemo, Back Cover models Rebecca Andrews and Vanessa Eddie. Interviewees Claire Marsden, Lisa Marie Simon, Rebecca Andrews, Rachel Brown and Stephanie Blakeley, and the photographers who allowed me to use their images. Plus, a huge thank you the journalism staff at Liverpool John Moores University. 20 | Magazine Template |