Obelix PT

The Journey of Women in Sport: A Critical Reflection on Social Constraints and Embodied Realities

By T.Broughton

The journey of women in sport is deeply nuanced, shaped not only by physical development and training opportunities, but by embedded social constructs and biases that frequently go unexamined. While female athletes may share similar biomechanical adaptations with juniors who come from sedentary backgrounds, the complexities they face are magnified by their roles as caregivers, providers, and leaders in their communities and homes.

A significant portion of women entering athletic spaces, particularly in contact sports like rugby, do so alongside the responsibilities of motherhood - some as sole parents, others as breadwinners or business owners. Many are navigating physiological stages such as menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause. Each stage brings with it specific physical and emotional demands that are too often treated as peripheral, rather than central, to athlete development.

Beyond the biomechanics of movement lies the reality that many of these women have endured prolonged inactivity, not from lack of desire to move, but from lack of systemic support. Their sedentary lifestyle is not born of disinterest, but of structural neglect - an absence of social frameworks that enable mothers, especially young mothers, to continue sport while raising children.

When a mother arrives at training or academic spaces with her baby, discomfort may settle not in her body, but in the room. It is not her presence that disrupts -it is the conditioning of others who have not been shown otherwise. This is not a matter of blame, but of awareness. As the saying goes, people only know what they know. Social bias is not always malicious, but it is deeply ingrained. In such environments, women slowly disappear. They drop out, not due to a lack of will or ability, but due to silent and collective disapproval, rarely named but deeply felt.

Training environments are seldom designed to be inclusive of children. The unspoken rule is: "Training is not a place for babies." Yet for many women, particularly those without established social networks, it must be. When there is no one else to care for the child, the choice becomes binary: train or mother. And the consequence of that choice - often demanded in silence -is a gradual erasure of potential.

Moreover, women tend to connect in order to play, whereas males traditionally play in order to connect. This relational distinction informs how women approach sport and how they remain in it. If connection is strained or severed - due to exclusion, silence, or unmet emotional needs - their motivation to continue diminishes, even when performance potential is high.

It is here that sport must pause and look inward. It is not simply about creating opportunities, but about deconstructing assumptions, redesigning systems, and welcoming presence over performance. Until mothers are seen not as exceptions, but as integral to the landscape of sport - with their babies, their businesses, their emotions, and their lived experiences - the system will remain partial and unjust.

Yet these embodied realities are not the only barriers women face. Sporting bodies themselves must reckon with the role they play in either upholding or dismantling systemic obstacles. Consider the time, location, and scheduling of women’s competitions. For many women, sport occurs in tandem with life’s other major commitments - they are mothers of young or older children, some married, some divorced, often the default caregiver. Their time is not entirely their own. And yet, sporting agencies regularly roster both male and female games simultaneously. The result is predictable: women forgo their own matches to support their children or their partners. They do what women have done for generations -sacrifice their personal growth to uphold the dreams of others.

The system relies on this sacrifice.

It assumes that women’s time is flexible, that their commitment to the game is negotiable, and that their presence is secondary. This is not a matter of poor planning - it is a matter of historical precedence and social bias. And while no individual is to blame, the collective ignorance is costly

Compounding this is the structural flaw in competition rules themselves. While 15-a-side remains the mandated format, the "Game On" provision -originally designed to encourage participation -is frequently misused. Clubs enter two teams into competitions knowing they lack the depth to sustain both. The result? Reserve teams are gutted, and when premier squads finish their match, players are sent to reinforce depleted sides. This practice does not grow the game; it sustains appearances without addressing the core problem: sustainable, inclusive team development.

Solutions must now follow. Clubs that routinely enter two teams but only field enough players for one must re-evaluate their approach. If more than the number of women are showing up, then hard but collaborative conversations must occur. Maybe it’s time to merge with neighbouring clubs or rethink squad formation altogether. Development cannot occur in isolation, and sport should never punish women for showing up - it should reward them by ensuring they get to play.

Beyond game day logistics, the off-field development of female athletes demands greater nuance. Women entering perimenopause or menopause bring with them complex biopsychosocial experiences that differ vastly from their male counterparts. Hormonal shifts affect recovery, performance, emotional regulation, and motivation. A coach without lived experience in these stages cannot fully understand their impact. Yet, this does not absolve them from responsibility -it requires greater empathy, education, and collaboration.

Because at its core, coaching is not about demonstrating what you know - it’s about showing that you care. Male or female, junior or elite, all players share the same fundamental human need: to be seen, supported, and safe. Until that becomes the minimum standard, we are not building a sport - we are maintaining a system.

When you feel like quitting, showing up counts as winning
Adherence shows up in how you move, how you get up, how you hold under pressure and how you recover

Where does real growth occur?

Connection, love, the desire to be seen, heard and valued are deep motivations that drive people to seek out coaches, spiritual leaders gurus and the like. In this world there are countless efforts to create spaces that feel safe and supportive. There’s value in this, but I can’t help questioning if what you seek can truly be found in these carefully curated settings? When we take away the comfort and hype of these places you’ll find learning is everything but a linear process and real growth is forged in the messiness and unpredictability of life, not in polished workshops or artificially calm environments.

True transformation comes from not removing discomfort but from learning to face it. When we sanatize the process, we risk robbing people of the real-world resilience that only comes through experiencing discomfort and making our own way through it.

As a facilitator or coach, my role isn’t to provide a roadmap or guarantee comfort. It’s to stand beside my clients in the chaos, sharing experience and perspective, without controlling or reshaping their journey. I've found genuine growth happens when you learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations — when what you seek is something you build yourself, not something handed to you.

So here’s my question to all of you: Do we need more site specific spaces, or do we need to embrace the reality that growth is messy, uncomfortable, and deeply personal? What does it mean for coaches or any of us to truly support someone in a way that respects their independence and strength? What does that look like and Where does real growth occur?

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in celebrity-endorsed fitness programs, social media influencers, and the latest trends that promise quick results. Magazines, social media, and pop culture often push 20-second workout clips, fad diets, and “miracle” pills or machines that supposedly guarantee transformation in no time. While these methods may look appealing, they often lack depth and don't address individual needs or sustainable progress.

The truth is, any change in your eating habits or exercise routine will produce some transformation. However, achieving long-term success in your fitness journey requires understanding what kind of athlete you are and training accordingly. That’s where many people go wrong—they follow routines or programs that aren’t tailored to their specific lifestyle or goals.

When I look at training, I categorize athletes into four groups. Each group has unique needs and requires a different approach to training:

Social Athletes
- These individuals frequent the gym 1-3 times a week, primarily for social interaction. Their training programs usually remain consistent because they are more focused on the social aspect than performance improvements.

Weekend Warriors
- Weekend warriors take part in physical activities like team sports, biking, or running on the weekends. They often follow routine-based programs they’ve found online or based on current fitness trends. They balance their fitness with busy lives full of work, family, and social responsibilities.

Amateur Athletes
- Amateurs train consistently—3-5 times a week—with the goal of competing in their sport or event, or representing their region or country. Their training is targeted and focused on improving specific areas such as strength or speed to perform at a higher level.

Elite Athletes
- Elite athletes are professionals at the top of their game. They have teams of specialists helping them refine their skills, manage nutrition, and structure their training and recovery routines. Elite athletes often make extreme sacrifices, dedicating their entire lives to their sport.

So, where do you fit in?

Most people think they are amateur athletes in their training, but in reality, many fall into the Weekend warrior category. And that’s perfectly fine! Weekend warriors often have more on their plate than they realize—balancing jobs, family, social commitments, and household responsibilities. This requires a different approach to training compared to amateurs, who may sacrifice other aspects of life to focus on their sport.

As a holistic coach, I understand that weekend warriors have a lot going on. My goal is to help you thrive in your sport without neglecting your personal responsibilities. Whether you choose to stay a weekend warrior or push towards the amateur field, I will help you develop the skills and strengths that allow you to excel in your sport and in everyday life.

The truth is, the discipline, focus, and resilience you build through training don’t just help you on the field—they translate into your work, family life, and personal growth. My coaching approach ensures that you find balance while achieving your fitness goals, with training programs designed to fit your lifestyle and enhance your overall well-being.

I'm here. Reach out and see where it goes-T

Work is has started with a healthy burst of energy . How healthy and realistic are your health and movement plans? 🚶‍♂️ Back on track? Work has kicked off with energy, and my daily walks and movement plan is moving seamlessly along each plane. How about you? drop a word or Share 1 activity of your health and fitness plan– inspire and support each other on this journey to a healthier and more active lifestyle! 💪

Great job for dedicating the time to enhance your speed and strength. Have you considered how your deceleration with ball in hand, and overall body control have progressed? Remember, sports involve dynamic movements. As good as it looks and how hard it burns, straight-line lunges with added weight will not capture the complexity of your actual motion.

Reflect on any injuries you may be carrying; they can impact your movement. Assess your performance levels and identify areas for improvement then work over the next 6-8 weeks before diving into the pre-season training.
Need help in designing your own program to prevent injuries and lift performance? Don't be afraid to reach out.

Keep up the good work!

To the uninitiated, a personal trainer or coach is perceived as a master of their craft. I see cereal packet PTs that come and go like waves lapping the shore edge.
Over a span of 35+ years since I first stepped foot in a gym and on stage as an instructor I take great pride in my expertise in joint mobility, biomechanics, as well as the intersection of biomedical science, phytotherapy, and neuroscience. My study and work inside these fields empower individuals to transcend the ordinary, guiding them towards their personal highs and lows and encouraging the exploration of uncharted territories within themselves.

The core message I wish to emphasize, and it cannot be stressed enough for those seeking an injury-free existence, both in and outside the realm of training, is this: TRAIN WITHIN THE LIMITS OF YOUR OWN BODY!!!

All too frequently, I encounter generic gym programs, often endorsed by reigning champions or Olympic gold medalists, as well as Dr Google and now very impersonal generic AI programs, which overlook this fundamental truth.

In the course of our human development, we EARN the privilege to progress toward more demanding movements. Just as infants learn to roll before they can crawl, and crawl before they can walk, the same principle applies to our journey towards physical and mental performance.

In our fast-paced society that demands quick fixes, patience is a virtue that many lack.
Sitting for an average of four hours a day (with the adult and student average being six) and sedentary lifestyles inevitably leads to, in a very short space in time a weak core, diminished mobility, and underdeveloped stabilizing muscles.

Attempting multi-joint compound movements(sports) or any form of weight-bearing exercise without addressing these foundational issues forces the body into overcompensation.
This manifests as the nervous system, impulsively triggering muscle contractions.

Let me introduce an exercise, often scoffed at by those unfamiliar with its benefits: the Turkish Get Up (TGU). If your mind remains open, read on; this exercise holds immense value, particularly for athletes and weekend warriors seeking sustainable performance gains. Here's how it transforms you:

1. Shoulder Protection & Rehabilitation:

The shoulder joint is inherently vulnerable, relying on both stability and mobility. Often, the spotlight falls on the showy deltoid muscles, neglecting the crucial rotator cuff muscles that stabilize the shoulder. The TGU enhances shoulder stability by fortifying these small stabilizers, providing a sturdy foundation for the larger shoulder muscles. Neglecting this order is a common precursor to shoulder injuries.

The TGU strengthens muscles that stabilize the scapula in an optimal position. The trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus anterior must be simultaneously activated to pull the scapula into a position of depression and downward rotation

2. Development of a Functional Core:
The hips and shoulders are interconnected via a muscular sling system that crosses the body. Turkish Get Ups fortify this cross-body sling, enhancing rotational strength for activities such as racket sports and running. Core stability is paramount for injury prevention and power transfer within the kinetic chain.

Core stability is believed to be critical for injury prevention and the transfer of power throughout the kinetic chain during movement. During the TGU, the core is challenged to resist spinal rotation, flexion/extension, and side bending

3. Safeguard Against Back Pain:
Turkish Get Ups promote hip and upper back mobility, reducing the need for excessive rotation in the lower back, thereby averting potential issues. Additionally, the core conditioning derived from this exercise stabilizes the lower back during movement.

4. Improved Posture:
Alignment becomes paramount as you advance in the Turkish Get Up. Any posture shortcomings become glaringly evident, compelling your body into a better position.

5. Full Body Integration:
Turkish Get Ups engage virtually every major muscle group, fostering harmonious cooperation among them. Stabilizers hold firm as prime mover muscles work in tandem, necessitating supple joints for proper alignment.

6. Assessment Tool:
Identifying movement issues across various planes, be it restricted joint mobility, weak core muscles, dominance of large prime mover muscles, poor balance, or proprioception deficits, is swiftly achieved with Turkish Get Ups. It serves as a valuable assessment tool for clients, offering an instant snapshot of their current movement capabilities.

7. Boosted Overhead Strength Confidence:
Constantly holding a kettlebell overhead during Turkish Get Ups enhances stabilizing strength and confidence, benefitting other kettlebell exercises like the Sn**ch. Strong shoulder stabilizers are imperative for shoulder health and effective overhead lifting.

8. Warm-Up:
Given the extensive muscle engagement and mobility demanded by Turkish Get Ups, they serve admirably as a warm-up routine. A few reps before each workout prepare you effectively while providing a snapshot of your daily physical condition.

This exercise exemplifies its versatility on a significant scale. It showcases how personalized programs can set you on a lifelong path to fitness. I am no advocate of one-size-fits-all approaches; instead, I specialize in tailored solutions that align with your unique journey rejecting convention in favor of what truly works.

As a personal coach and trainer, my primary role is to help you navigate the complexities of personal growth.
1 word that is thrown around in many of my clients language is "consciousness". Now, How you perceive and engage with your consciousness can lead to vastly different life experiences.

First, there are those who operate in a mode, thanks to my mentor calls it 'By Me.' In this state, the external world takes precedence over the inner self. You find yourself hustling, striving to work harder, and trying to generate income and business. You are by no means lazy, but it often leaves you feeling frustrated, exhausted, and drained and responding to easy options on dietary requirements, rushed decision making or over indulging on alcohol and other substances ether to aid sleep or to relax as there seems to be no time between family, social and work obligations to add in a walk, me time, gym or any other personal activity.

In contrast, some people operate in what is referred to as the 'Through Me' mode. When you are in this state, life becomes more seamless, and to the onlooker, it appears effortless and fluid.

You are not aggressively forcing doors open; rather, they open naturally for you. Your inner world leads your outer world, and you live with a sense of purpose. You contemplate, gain a deeper understanding, and derive inspiration from within, rather than seeking external motivation. You are seen to be everywhere and life feels grand, as you give of your time to family, friends and yiu may not be at many social occasions however you are where you are needed delivering support and guidance and you look and feel good

If you find yourself resonating with the 'By Me' mode and yearn for a shift towards the 'Through Me' state, understand that consciousness is not merely a brain process.

It is a form of behaviour that emerges at the intersection of communication, play, and the use of tools, all of which are controlled by the brain. This interaction gives rise to a mechanism that allows you to simulate potential actions in a "second reality" of symbolically grounded systems. This theory of consciousness is anti-reductionist, anti-eliminativist, and yet views human consciousness as a natural biological phenomenon.

The quotes from George Louis Leclerc de Buffon and Ludwig Wittgenstein provide insights into the intricacies of human consciousness. They suggest that consciousness lies in our ability to think, prepare, and act according to expectations.

If you've made it this far, I invite you to delve deeper. Let's design a program that uncovers the concealed, helps you achieve your goals, and inculcates consistency and positive recurrence in your life.

Albert Einstein shared a profound secret - you cannot solve a problem from the same level of consciousness that created it.

Embark on this transformative journey towards a new level of consciousness, and witness the profound benefits it brings to your life.

As your personal coach and trainer, I offer a unique blend of physical training and consciousness coaching to foster holistic growth. This combination sets me apart from many other coaches who focus solely on either the physical or mental aspects.

For the physical component, we customize a program that suits your current fitness level and aligns with your health goals. From personalized strength training to cardio workouts, we will focus on improving your physical health and wellness through movement.

On the mental and emotional front, I delve deep into consciousness coaching. I work with you to shift your mode of operation from 'By Me' to 'Through Me'. This shift is more than just a mental change - it's a shift in how you live, how you perceive the world, and how you respond to life's challenges. As we journey together, you will uncover a stronger, more profound relationship with your inner self, leading to a higher level of peace, fulfillment, and overall wellbeing.

Moreover, I believe in creating a safe and comfortable space for my clients. Our sessions will be a judgement-free zone, where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings. I am committed to listening, understanding, and guiding you on your journey towards personal growth.

Finally, my approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and years of experience. This by no means make me better or know more, i have experience. I am dedicated to helping you achieve your goals, whether they are related to fitness, personal growth, or both.

In essence, my goal is to help you attain a balanced and healthy body, and a calm and conscious mind. Your journey towards higher consciousness and improved physical health starts here. Are you ready to take the first step?