Women in the UK still face obstacles when it comes to achieving overall wellness. The UK Government cites that women make up 51% of the total population, yet they continue to face disparities when it comes to access to healthcare.
Not enough focus is placed on women-specific issues like miscarriages or menopause, and women are under-represented when it comes to important clinical trials. In response, the Women’s Health Strategy was introduced to address the pressing concerns affecting women’s health. It aims to improve access to health services, ensure women’s concerns are amplified, and support more research to enhance the knowledge of women’s health conditions.
While this program is a great nationwide initiative, some women may want to explore other options that focus on other areas to improve their wellbeing. These may involve wellness communities where women can engage in different activities while feeling safe, encouraged, and uplifted. As such, we have compiled a list of communities every woman can join and see whether it compliments their wellness journey:
Food for wellness communities
The British Nutrition Foundation highlights the importance of getting the right nutrients to support the body’s overall health and wellbeing. For women, this means eating more food rich in iron and calcium, as they are vulnerable to a deficiency of these nutrients. Furthermore, eating nutrient-rich food provides better mental clarity and helps you feel more alert.
With this, communities like Soul Food Kitchen recognise that food is a gateway to nurturing the rest of the body, which is why they have cooking classes and talks where people can further their knowledge of healthy eating. These communities are also spaces where women can motivate and inspire each other to live healthier and more holistically through food, making it a perfect choice for those looking to improve their wellness through their diet.
Weight loss workshops
Another way to achieve wellness is by joining a community of like-minded people who can support your fitness and weight loss plans. You can simply look up “weight loss workshops near me” on your browser, and you’ll instantly find a number of results. These dedicated workshops can be scheduled in person, where you can receive face-to-face support and connection from your group.
However, virtual workshops are also available and offer the same perks of having tailored advice from real people, just done through your screen. Having this kind of community also highlights accountability while you reach your goals since your group or coaches can hold weekly check-ins to share progress, exchange tips, and encourage one another to push on. Given the flexibility of such workshops, women can easily join this kind of group to aid their wellness journey.
Women’s only gyms
Some recent studies have shown that 6 in 10 women in the UK have been harassed while working out in mixed gyms. The harassment of women at the gym is any unwanted attention and can be sexual in nature. As such, women-only gyms have opened up to try and address the discomfort women have experienced in other commercial gym spaces.
These facilities not only create a safe space for you while working out, but some also aim to break down the barriers to exercise that impact women from a diverse range of socio-demographic backgrounds.
This means making the gyms accessible to women of any cultural or religious background and promoting the benefits of weight training to overall health in the long run. Not only do these gyms make you feel safer, but they also strive for empowerment and create an uplifting environment for women to enjoy.
Therapeutic wellness spaces
Besides the dietary and physical aspects of your wellbeing, there should also be an emphasis on mental wellness. This is where therapeutic wellness comes in, as it can help give you a sense of calm, peace, and balance that can benefit your emotional well-being and overall health.
Spa visits are one of the leading ways to relax and clear your mind. According to Professional Beauty, the UK spa industry is valued at £1.7 billion and currently thrives with over 3,600 facilities within the country.
By increasing circulation and relaxation, spa treatments help reduce stress levels while also providing an opportunity to detoxify from everyday toxins like air pollution and other environmental factors.
Furthermore, you can visit a spa with your friends so you can all destress together and let go of any tension in the body. This creates a better sense of community as you can unwind after the stress of a work week or vent about any personal troubles.
Women need spaces where they can improve their wellness in safe and fun locations. If you are looking to improve your wellness we hope this article proves useful.
