#Sistersport - Lauren's fitness journey drives her to inspire other women

Lauren, who runs Elland-based LS Fitness, admits an active lifestyle wasn’t always top of her agenda. Now 33, she says she would “try anything possible to get out of doing PE at school”.

She said: “At 16 years I weighed over 15 stone and was very overweight and unhealthy. I reluctantly joined a gym as my dad had always been very fit and active, and still is, so he encouraged me to finally make a change.

“At the gym I did bits here and there, but it was the classes I really got hooked on.

“The music, the support and the idea that you only really need to do 40 minutes to an hour and you can sweat, be out of breath and feel super energised all from one session.”

It was this positive experience which spurred her on to qualify as a health and fitness coach in her early 20s. She’s now driven by a desire to inspire other women through her classes.

Lauren added: “The position I am in, where I meet ladies everyday who are motivated and dedicated to help make themselves feel strong mentally and physically, more confident, happier and literally ready to take on the world even after a hard day at work or home drives me to want to help, motivate and encourage every single person that comes through the door.

“All the ladies are so unique in their own way and its a fabulous atmosphere to watch everyone pick each other up no matter what is happening in their own lives.

“I am so proud to say LS Fitness is a fitness family. We welcome everyone and anyone to come along. It’s never too late to start, with people in their 80s still exercising weekly.”

Nicola Carthew, 43, takes classes and said: “Regular exercise has impacted on every area of my life and the benefits are enormous, my stress levels have significantly decreased making a big impact on my mental health.”

Fay Whiteley, 28, added: “Exercise is great for the body and even better for the mind.”

Lauren runs a number of classes throughout the week, from Eastgate, Elland, including ultimate cardio, body blitz, active seniors and more. If you would like more information, contact her on 07840 012 923.

And recently, leg warmers, sweat bands and neon were the order of the day for an 1980s themed aerobathon.

Organised by LS Fitness and held at the Elland-based Karen Binns Stage School, the fun event was to raise money for Overgate Hospice.

Those involved moved and grooved to classic 80s hits, while decked out in fantastic fancy dress - watch the video to see how they got on.

How you can get involved in our #sistersport campaign

Through the campaign, we want to put the spotlight on groups or organisations encouraging females to become more active.

Would you like to share your story, or tell us about your group to encourage more women to get involved? Email [email protected] or call 01422 260209.