BY JOY OFASIA
Women in Honiara are being encouraged to make time for their health and wellbeing through a women only fitness training class held every Thursday.
The programme, run by Jenly Wini, aims to provide a comfortable and supportive space where women of different ages and fitness levels can exercise, build strength and gain confidence.
Wini said the idea came from wanting to create a space where women could feel comfortable coming “as they are” and starting from their own level. “As women, we carry many responsibilities our families, children, work and everyday life,” she said.
“Sometimes we spend so much time caring for others that we forget about ourselves.” She said the Thursday sessions are intended to give women an opportunity to come together, move their bodies, enjoy themselves and build their strength.
Wini’s training focuses on strength, cardio, core exercises and full body movements, with participants encouraged to work at their own pace. She said the programme is not about competition or comparing one woman’s fitness level with another.
“Every woman comes with a different body, different experience and different fitness level,” she said.
“So, I encourage each woman to work at her own pace. We start from where she is and slowly build from there.” Wini believes opportunities like the Thursday fitness sessions are important for women in Honiara, particularly those balancing work, parenting, household responsibilities and caring for others. “Our own wellbeing can easily come last,” she said.
“We need spaces where women feel comfortable to take some time for themselves without feeling judged.” The programme is also open to women who have never trained before or those returning to exercise after several years. Wini said fitness can contribute not only to physical strength but also to confidence, energy and a positive sense of self.
“As you train, you begin to see what your body is capable of, you may feel stronger, have more energy and start building confidence in yourself,” she said. She also encouraged women not to view missed training sessions or slow progress as failure. “Come back, start again and keep taking small steps. Building strength takes time,” she said.
Looking ahead, Wini hopes to see more women in Honiara prioritising their health and wellbeing and a broader understanding of what fitness means.
She said fitness should not always be associated with losing weight or achieving a particular appearance.
“Fitness can be about becoming stronger, having more energy, feeling confident and being able to enjoy your everyday life,” she said.
Wini also hopes to see more spaces where women of different ages and fitness levels can come together and support one another “That is what I hope to build through this program come as you are, start where you are, and build strength for everyday life,” she said.
