In the latest of our ‘Introducing…’ series, meet sisters Ro and Netta Pakenham-Walsh, who are realising their dream of working together to help people rediscover the secrets of natural living with their new venture, Wild Weekends.
So tell me a bit more about your new venture, Wild Weekends. How did the idea come about and who is involved?
Ro: “Netta joined Wildfitness in 2008 at a time when we were living together in London. Before long we had both embraced the philosophy (which was very akin to the way we had been brought up as children), running around parks and dragging friends out for fun fit sessions. A few years later, Netta moved out to be based in Kenya, where she was able to meet clients face to face. A lot of the clients she got to know said how much they would like to take up some kind of group Wildfitness class back in the UK.
The lightbulb moment happened for us when we were running along the Downs back home on the Isle of Wight on a really wild and blustery day. We realized how perfect the Isle of Wight would be as a Wildfitness location. The two of us had always wanted to work together doing something we really believe in so this was our golden opportunity.
What do you offer that’s a bit different from the norm?
Our Wild Philosophy is unique to us and is the result of Tara Wood, the founder of Wildfitness, combining her own studies and inspiration with the learnings of key experts around the world.
All the coaches who run our course have been trained by Wildfitness, so you won’t find another coach elsewhere with the same approach. Our current programme teaches people the fundamentals of natural human movement – we teach people to barefoot run, box, swim, crawl, jump, lift, balance and to change their perception of fitness and movement, but we also teach them the importance of play, of tribe and of nature and natural rhythms.
We do all our training outdoors in nature, you won’t find us in the gym, and the philosophy of wild eating is also integral to our courses – guests learn how eating the delicious natural foods that your body was designed to eat will make you feel light, satisfied, energised and lean. And although people feel amazing after their Wildfitness experience, it is important for us that we provide the tools for our guests to take what they’ve learned home too.
Where in the UK are you based, and what do you love most about the area?
We are based on the west side of the Isle of Wight – the place where we grew up as kids. There is so much space, a real wild and rugged feel to it with high white cliffs you can run along and a whole heap of different beaches where you can swim, surf, play games or just chill out. The best thing to do on a summer’s night is take a few rugs up onto the cliffs, watch the sun set over the sea and then crash out under the stars on a good patch of heather!
What’s the best thing about your job? And the most challenging?
Ro: For me. there is nothing better than seeing a whole bunch of grownups growing down and having fun! And the best bit about it is hearing how good they feel at the end! The most challenging part is overcoming peoples’ natural tendencies to hide indoors when the weather’s not so hot – it’s always a slower process adjusting guests’ perception to a bit of rain but once we’re out there it’s great seeing the exhilaration on everyone’s faces!
Netta: For me, it is so much fun getting creative in the kitchen and seeing guests devouring good, healthy food after a big workout! Even in a short space of time guests notice the effects good food has on their energy levels and feelings of vitality. The most challenging part is definitely making enough banana whip for the post Needles run (and not eating it myself!)
Why do you think it’s important for people to spend time in the great outdoors?
Simply put, there is something hugely uplifting about Mother Nature whether we are exercising or resting. Physically we can be challenged on many more levels when exercising outside; the great outdoors has an abundance of natural equipment to use which inspires creativity and, most importantly, is a lot of fun! Our senses are awakened and our bodies benefit incredibly from what our environment has to offer.
Know a person or a great little outdoors business that should be profiled in this series? Let me know in the comments section below and I’ll be in touch.
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Hi and welcome. I'm a freelance travel and lifestyle copywriter and editor, with a passion for the great outdoors. This is my personal blog all about getting out in the fresh air and reconnecting with our green spaces and countryside.
