helping women find a balance between

WORK – LIFE – FITNESS – FOOD – FUN

“Mollie is an amazing, positive motivator, just what you need when you are trying to become more active.”

“She has a perfect blend of encouragement, counseling, and a no-BS allowed attitude that makes her super effective.”

INSTA

Are you ready for ski season?
 
I am!  With two ski trips booked for 2025 and my last trip 2 years ago, I was getting a little nervous about how I would do.  Luckily for me, @southwiltsski opened up just over a month ago and had me down for a lesson #gifted 
 
Over 60 minutes, James and I took turns receiving stellar instruction from one of the instructors, Craig.  While I grew up, skiing, James is a snowboarder.  It was his first time on skis and he quickly picked up pizza pie and French fries IYKYK.  I consider myself an intermediate skier and have never had a formal lesson before.
 
After 10-15 minutes of tuition, our bodies were tired. The indoor ski slope is a carpeted treadmill which means frequent stops don't come as naturally as they do out on a mountain.  We took turns swapping who was on the slope so we could rest and stretch out calves.
 
Craig said it usually takes 1-3 sessions to get used to how the ski slope works.  For me, it was a little counterintuitive as you want to go faster down the slope to avoid being pulled up the back (although Craig always had the remote with emergency stop button in his hand). There is a big mirror at the bottom of the slope so you can see exactly how your body is positioned.  I only skied off the side of the slope (just off the edge of the carpet because the treadmill was quickly turned off) twice at the end of the lesson because my body and brain were tired. 
 
There is plenty of seating around the slope and in the clubhouse should you want to come down with the family for a few lessons in a row.  All equipment (skis, boots and helmets) is included.  Starting in 2025, snowboarding lessons will also be available.  There is a great pub nearby too. James and I stopped on the way home for roast dinner.  We were so hungry!
 
If this place was closer, I would definitely book lessons in more regularly.  The staff are super friendly and excellent at explaining how to ski properly.  If you are new to skiing or have a trip to the slopes planned in 2025, I highly recommend checking out South Wilts Ski Club.
 
 
#indoorski #indoorskislope #southwiltsskiclub #ski #skiing #skiingisfun #skiing🎿 #skilesson
Two weekends in a row, I have gone skiing.  And it hasn't snowed at all!
 
Last weekend, I was at South Wilts Ski Club. Today I went to @bettergoslingsportspark to try the dry slope.  It was my first time on one and it was a bit slow in terms of speed.  The slope was made of thick bristles in a diamond pattern.  I was very afraid of catching an edge and managed to only fall once (my fault!).
 
The weather was overcast and I stayed very warm. Long sleeves, long trousers and gloves are required to protect yourself in case you do fall. 
 
Gosling Park offers 4 week courses for those who want to learn to ski. My one hour session (which included ski, helmet, and boot hire) was only £14.50 and I had the slope to myself for most of the time.
 
My @suunto Race #gifted automatically counted my runs, which was pretty cool. The elevation was only 40m so you don't get many turns in before it is time to go up again.  But I think it is perfect for beginners.
 
Which do you prefer - dry slopes or snowy ones?
 
 
#skislope #dryskislope #goslingsportspark #bettergoslingsportspark #ski #skislope #skiing #skilife
My brand new blog post is a ski-themed gift guide.  Long-time followers know I grew up skiing in Western NY and feel at home in the snowy mountains.  There are 18 items to choose from in a range of prices and ski abilities.  Click on the link in my bio to see what made the cut.
 
Over the next few months, I will be sharing ski content.  First up will be a review of my experience at @southwiltsski #gifted compared to my local dry slope.  Then I have a trip booked to Morzine with @outdooradventuregirlsuk before James and I head to Italy. 
 
Since I am paying for the winter sports insurance premium, I would love to get once more trip in.  Any suggestions on where to find (affordable) snow in March?
 
Of course, if I missed anything gifts you would recommend for skiers or snowboarders, please comment below and let me know.
 
#letitsnow #ski #skitheme #giftguide #snowangel #skiing #skier
Recently I tried the new @tenzing Fiery Mango and it was delicious! #gifted
 
Perfect for winter, it has added nutrients, Lions Mane, and caffeine to keep you going with the darker days.  Of course it is planted-baded too.

Learn more about it
https://tenzingnaturalenergy.com/products/super-natural-energy-fiery-mango
 
Have you tried it yet? What did you think of the taste?
 
 
#tenzing #energydrinks #gymfluencer #fierymango #mangoflavour #mangoflavor
Being a runner and have a physical job, my body often needs TLC.  Last month, I visited @thewellnessandbeautyclinic_ in West Hampstead for a sports massage.  My sports therapist, Ben, pointed out that if I didn't NEED a sports massage (which can be pretty intense), there wasn't any reason to do that to my  body. Instead, I had a wonderful remedial massage to help my body relax a wee bit.  Ben even used hot stones which was a lovely surprise (I was too relaxed by that point to film).
 
The last time I visited The Wellness and Beauty Clinic, I had a mini facial.  I love how one clinic offers so many specialties (osteopathy, podiatry, sports therapy, K-Laser, aesthetics and beauty to name a few), I only have to book in at one place to get. Few different things addresses.
 
If you are based in/near London, I highly recommend giving them a call if you need help with anything.  They have kindly given me a 10% off code (PTMWBC10) you can use on any full price treatment.  Whether you want a facial to freshen up for the holidays or have a running niggle, the team at The Wellness and Beauty Clinic.
 
As a bonus, you walk by several charity shops if you come from West Hampstead station. 
 
Let me know if you book in and what you think.
 
#sportsmassage #sportstherapy #klaser ad affiliate #westhampstead #osteopathy #podiatry #osteo #aesthetics #wellnessclinic #beautyclinic #injuredrunner  #londonrunners #londonrunnerscommunity #massage #massagetherapy #massagetime
On Sunday, I attended the 2nd meet up of @living_withbalance founded by Hetty and Lydia.  They found it intimidating to attend gym classes in London so wanted to create a space where women of all abilities could come together and give different classes a go.
 
And it was exactly what I needed (aka a kick up the 🍑
 
I knew I needed to start strength training.  And have been saying so for a while.  But haven't actually made it to the gym.  @living_withbalance is part social outing, part workout, part cake eating and I loved it.
 
The ticketed events are listed on Eventbrite and have taken place at two different locations so far (both @unit1gym ). The women in my team had met at the previous event and were super nice and welcoming (and didn't mind being filmed!). It seemed like everyone had someone to chat with during the 2 minutes of rest between rounds.  It was evident that everyone was having fun even though some may have been outside their comfort zone.
 
After the class, our hosts provided delicious homemade baked goods to enjoy as well as hydration tablets from @huxhealth .  The cookies were my favorite!
 
The majority of the group took a short walk to a local coffee shop before taking a walk along the Thames.  I ducked out after the coffee shop we it was beginning to drizzle.  I could see how attending one of Living With Balance's events as the perfect way to spend the day.
 
Two days on, the DOMS are here and I am loving it.  I did a challenging strength training workout and survived.  No reason why I can't do it again.
 
Give Living With Balance a follow here and on Eventbrite to be kept in the loop for their next event.  It sounds like they hope to meet every other week.

Thanks to @charlotterosesocialexpert for the #prinvite.
 
  #fitfam #womenwholift #unit1 #strengthtraining #hiitworkout #livingwithbalance #eventbrite #gymgirl #gymmotivation #thisgirlcan #gymlifestyle #strengthtrainingforwomen
Loving my new leggings for the gym from @tekshaclothing a UK manufactured product.  #gifted I tried them out in spin class and found them super comfortable and breathable.  The color and pattern is fab and they are so soft.  For me, I didn't love wearing them on my run but that doesn't mean they won't be perfect for someone else.  I could see them becoming my go-to leggings on rainy days on the couch this winter.

Teksha's mission is to empower women through versatile, stylish activewear while prioritising sustainability and ethical production.  Have a peak at their website to see their range of active wear.
 
 
#activewear #leggings ad #activewearforwomen #activewearfashion #leggingsarepants #leggingslove #shesgotlegs #fitfam #gymgirl
Only 24 days until @runup2christmas begins! I hope you will join my team, Mollie's Mistletoe Milers.  This event is a fun way to keep moving during December.  Personally, I find it help me balance the stress that comes along with the build up to the holidays (from shopping, cooking, planning, posting, cleaning, partying). 
 
Never done it before?  Let me explain how it works.

Cost: £17 plus shipping if you want a medal and live outside UK. Register via link in bio (join a team)
How does it work: Walk or run throughout December.  I have set a team goal of 100km.  You can help me chip away at it with one run, a run every day, or something in between.
Medal: Always fantastic but optional
Charities: Part of the proceeds will go to @goodgym and @rethinkmentalillness 

The more the merrier.  Please grab some friends and join me.  Or make your own team.  I won't mind.
 
It is the most wonderful time of year with a bit of running cheer. 
 
Got a question?  Let me know in the comments below.
 
#runup2christmas
#ru2c
#runthings
#wearerunthings @wearerunthings 
#adventrunning #decembermotivation #runchallenge #ukrunchat #runchat #runclub #runningchallenge #decemberrun
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