"The number of people messaging me about what the festival was really about - working out outdoors to improve mental health - was incredible."
Emma Grunnill
Emma Grunnill recently launched the Health and Wellness Festival at Kitridding Farm, where 85 guests enjoyed a day of exercise sessions and healthy treats from local food and drink producers.
Emma took inspiration for the festival from popular fitness events around the UK. She said: “On the day, a lot of people were talking about how it was nice to finally have something like this in Cumbria, as these kinds of events are typically always London-based. I had a lot of the guests asking about next year and how excited they are to attend already!”
Six local trainers ran classes on the day, including boxercise, pilates, yoga, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and bootcamp. Guests could also enjoy healthy refreshments from eight local vendors, including Kitridding Farm’s own produce.
Emma said: “The reaction throughout the day was how refreshing it was to be outside and not in a gym. I felt completely overwhelmed, it was absolutely throwing it down in the morning and it just didn't put anyone off at all. There were people from all over emailing/messaging me good luck. The former women’s England rugby captain even emailed me expressing her best wishes and how she thought what I was doing was a great idea – that made my year being a rugby player myself!”
Emma added: “The number of people messaging me about what the festival was really about – working out outdoors to improve mental health – was incredible. The amount of comments I've had from people speaking out about mental health is amazing and is exactly why I wanted to do it. Everyone put their all into the classes, commenting on how good they felt to be outside, and there wasn't one person without a smile on their face or positive comments to be said.
“The reaction since the festival has been fantastic and plans are already underway for the next one, so if there are any local trainers or wholefood and wellbeing vendors who would like to get involved in the next event, feel free to get in touch with me.”
For more information, visit www.emmagrunnill.co.uk
