“A lot of strength training (or anything that takes a lot of mental integrity) is mind over matter, if you’re full of self doubt it’s not going to happen. Changed my mindset and the ‘I can’t do it’ mentality and managed a 140kg deadlift this year, weighing in at 70kg.”

Kimberley Scott

“I’m going through the menopause and it’s taught me a new way of being and balancing energy. Exercise is great, outdoor exercise is best and over-exercising wipes me out completely. I have to be so careful about listening to my body and do exactly the right amount of work.”

Pearl Howie

“I’d planned for 2021 to be the running year, but Covid carried on wiping out races. The ultra-marathon I’d trained all through the spring for? Gone. The half marathon I’d planned to run with mates? Cancelled. After umpteen failed training cycles, the London Marathon miraculously went ahead and despite being overtrained, it was one of the best moments of my life – to see the city moving, thousands of runners coming out to celebrate London and raising millions for people who have definitely had it rough over the past couple of years. I’ll never take for granted the ability to run on these streets – or with other people – again.”

Miranda Larbi, Strong Women editor

15 pieces of fitness advice from women who learned big lessons in 2021