Sam

Pronouns - She/They

Founder/Trustee

“For years I struggled with body image and I had an eating disorder in my mid 20s. Learning to lift weights challenged me to focus on what my body is capable of rather than just what it looks like or what has happened to it.

Lifting weights has helped me to reconnect with my body and give it the respect it deserves.

Lifting is empowering, I have found such a wonderful support network of amazingly strong, inspiring people who I feel lucky to call friends.”

Chloe

Pronouns - She/Her

Trustee

“Someone told me no, I couldn’t. So I did. I put my mind and body into it and came out the other end a better person for it.

As well as physical changes I could see, I could feel my mental health improve, confidence improve and happiness improve. I found who I really am under the weight of a bar.

Extra bonus is the community I’ve found myself in is second to none for the support.”

Ash

Pronouns - She/Her

Trustee

“For years I thought my body was awful and I was a failure or bad person for being fat. Lifting has shown me that no matter what size you are your body can achieve amazing things and this in turn is improving my mental health and my perception of myself.

I’ve also met some amazing folk along the way who are some of my closest friends and provide constant support inside and outside the gym.”

Lyndsey

Pronouns - She/Her

Coach

“Strength training changed my life, it helped me uncover my power.

As a small person I've spent my life being mistaken for meek and strength training made me feel like the badass that I am. It gave me the confidence to live my truth and stand up for what I know is right."

Taz

Pronouns - They/Them

Administrator

“I want to make the feeling of strength and empowerment, accessible. I want to break into the weights room and end the gate keeping of these environments and types of exercise.

Everyone deserves to feel strong and powerful and I want to help make that happen for myself and other survivors like me.

I like to focus on what my body can do, not what it's been through.”

Kathryn

Pronouns - she/her

Coach

“I had a back injury in my early 20s which was pretty scary for me and made me realise how much I’d been taking my health and body for granted. While I was recovering, I got into strength training with the initial aim of making my body as strong as possible so that it could hopefully cope with whatever else was thrown at it. However, the more I lifted, the more I noticed that while I was getting physically stronger, I was also becoming mentally stronger and more confident in myself, and I began to use exercise as an outlet for coping with stress and emotions. This was such an eye-opener for me that I want to help as many people as possible experience the same empowerment, and this led me to personal training.

I know that gyms, and particularly the weights section, can seem intimidating to a lot of people and this can be such a barrier to getting started in strength training. I’m really excited to be involved with Uplifted and its aim to support people to overcome these barriers and see where strength can take them!”

Katie

Pronouns - she/her

Project Worker

“Lifting has quite literally changed my life! I was a very academic, inactive child and teenager, then for a few years I dabbled in various ‘bikini body challenges’ but never really enjoyed exercise. I worked with lots of men and was tired of feeling weak and being constantly physically underestimated so I started lifting. Then I met a powerlifting coach, and the rest is history.

Now I feel strong, fit, and empowered, which has led me to discover active hobbies like hiking, cycling and running. I’ve never been happier. I’m a huge advocate of exercise for physical and mental health yet so many of those who would benefit most face significant barriers to accessing exercise facilities. Uplifted is committed to breaking down these barriers and I am so excited to be part of it!”

Laura

Pronouns - she/her

Trustee

“In my decade as a Social Worker I’ve learned about the impacts that trauma can have on mental and physical health. I've taken a professional interest in trauma from working with a variety of different people and supporting them from a trauma informed perspective, as it manifests differently in every individual.

I began strength training around three years ago and experienced how empowering it is. Through patience, consistency and support I saw my body slowly become stronger than it’s ever been and how my relationship with my body changed as a result. It’s been a mental challenge as well as a physical one.

When I first heard about Uplifted I knew it was something I wanted to be involved with due to my own personal experiences of strength training, I think everyone should have that opportunity!”

Rachel

Alyce

Pronouns she/her

Trustee

“I think the concept of the charity is fantastic and a vital service for members of the community. I was really keen to get involved, share my financial knowledge and provide support in this area of the charity.

It’s great to be able to join the team in the early stages so I have the opportunity to watch Uplifted grow and succeed, knowing I was a part of it.

Also the Uplifted team seem like a really great bunch!”

Polly

Pronouns she/her

Coach

"The Gym Landscape needs reform! Uplifted & its coaches are leading the way towards significant & important change. I am honoured to get the chance to be part of that.

I’ve dealt first-hand with gender-based violence & am also a survivor. Strength training can be a powerful force for healing, so lets begin carving out the safe spaces to remind ourselves how strong we are!"

Pronouns she/her

Coach

“Uplifted deals with some issues that are very close to my heart and if I can help other people feel empowered by their own bodies then I am winning!”