Over the past year, I’ve loved connecting with my amazing fitness squad through our virtual sessions. But last weekend, we took things offline in a big way, hiking 22 miles across the stunning Lake District to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
I want to share the story of that incredible weekend with you, along with some insights about the power of community, resilience, and staying active — even if you’re joining me from your living room through my online fitness classes.
Why We Walked 22 Miles: Honouring a Special Member of Our Squad, Annette
Our challenge was in memory of Annette, one of the heartbeats of our fitness family. She was the ultimate squad mum, always the first to show up to every class, supporting everyone, celebrating birthdays, and leading with a huge smile. Sadly, Annette passed away last year after a battle with cancer.
This walk was about more than just fitness. It was about coming together as a community, celebrating her life, and supporting a cause that touches so many of us personally. We’ve raised over £14,300 so far, and donations are still coming in. It’s been truly humbling to see how fitness can unite people for something bigger than ourselves.
From Online Fitness Classes to a Real-Life Challenge
Many people know me from my online fitness sessions, which I run all year round for people across Nottingham and beyond. While we often connect digitally, the weekend reminded me how powerful in-person connection can be — especially when it’s for a cause that matters deeply.
Whether you’re working out with me online or tackling your own fitness goals, community makes all the difference. During the walk, we shared laughs, snacks, and songs, showing the same support and camaraderie we share in our classes.
What I Learned From Organizing a 22-Mile Hike
Organizing 65 people for a day-long challenge wasn’t easy! Coordinating equipment, transportation, and keeping everyone motivated was the toughest part. But once we got going, the walk itself was a beautiful, energizing experience — despite some unexpected hills that challenged us all.
If you ever tackle a long walk or hike, my best advice is simple:
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Eat before you’re hungry — keep your energy levels topped up with constant snacking. Think of it like a walking picnic!
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Stay hydrated — it’s easy to forget but absolutely essential.
These tips are just as useful whether you’re doing a long outdoor challenge or powering through one of my online fitness classes.
The Power of Our Online Fitness Family
Our group isn’t just about workouts. We call ourselves “squaddies” because we’re more than a fitness class — we’re a supportive family. Some people who joined the walk were from my online squad, while others came from Annette’s local village. It was incredible to see everyone come together, mingle, and cheer each other on.
If you’re new to online fitness classes, remember, it’s not just about exercise. It’s about connection, motivation, and celebrating progress — no matter where you are in your journey.
Want to Hear More? Listen to My Full BBC Interview
If you want to hear all the details, including some funny moments and behind-the-scenes stories from the walk, I was lucky enough to chat about it on BBC radio. It was such a special opportunity to talk about our community and the amazing support we’ve had.
You can listen to the full interview here. I really hope you enjoy it!
Upcoming Events and How You Can Get Involved
This Lake District walk was a grand finale to our charity efforts this year, but we’ve had fun events leading up to it. We threw a ‘90s-themed silent disco workout — yes, you read that right — that packed out a village hall, all for charity. It was a blast, and we raised more money for Cancer Research UK.
If you want to join our online fitness community, get tips, motivation, or find out about upcoming events, sign up for my classes today. Whether it’s a virtual workout or a special challenge like this hike, there’s always a way to get involved and make a difference.
Final Thoughts
Fitness isn’t just about getting fit for summer or ticking off workouts. It’s about building a community, pushing through challenges, and sometimes doing something extraordinary for a cause close to your heart. I’m so proud of everyone who took part in this challenge and grateful to be part of such a supportive online fitness family.
Let’s keep moving, supporting each other, and making every step count — online and beyond.
