Workshop Description:
A practical and societal look at being a leader in different sized and shaped bodies as well as running body inclusive sessions for your clients. A discussion regarding attitudes to body size in adventurous activities, myth busting regarding body size and ability/fitness and building confidence in different bodies for yourself and your clients. Examples of best practice and successful inclusive campaigns/products.
Also practical tips for dealing with issues such as belaying/short roping a heavier partner, racking up small harnesses, carrying smaller/lighter packs, recommended clothing brands for bigger people, leading those with bigger bodies.
Equipment needed:
Indoor session - None specified
Workshop provider:
Maddie Sweetman
Maddie's been working in physical activity and adventurous activities for the past 12 years and is currently Partnership Liaison Officer for Mountain Training England as well as a freelance instructor. Her prior work and research at Manchester Women’s Aid and Loughborough/Leeds Beckett Universities has focused on getting women and girls more active by reducing barriers to participation and promoting mental health/wellbeing. In particular, her Masters of Research investigated the effects of weight stigma and the representation of women’s bodies on attitudes to physical activity. Maddie has advised Sport England and Women in Sport on ways to make campaigns and instructor practice more body inclusive. Maddie is a qualified Climbing Wall Instructor, Rock Climbing Instructor and Mountain Leader as well as a super keen rock climber who occasionally can be forced up a hill, mountain or into some water!