Episode #025:

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Claire Heafford, head of Gymnasts for Change. As an ex-elite gymnast, high level hurdler, serial entrepreneur and NLP coach, Claire brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. 

Wether you are a sports lover or simply someone who wishes to be inspired and learn from the mindset and fortitude that helps athletes like Claire thrive through fear and step out of their comfort zone, this episode is for you. 

Join us as she takes us through her remarkable journey from experiencing a personal breakdown to following her joy and purpose.  She discusses her recent initiatives, including Reset Lab Fitness, which promotes movement and body positivity, and Play Fight London, the Uk's biggest professional wrestling school. Claire also shines a light on her advocacy efforts with Gymnasts for Change, a registered charity campaigning against abuse in gymnastics, striving to create a supportive and positive environment for athletes.

In the episode we delve into strategies for managing fear and building confidence. Claire offers her insights on recognising and normalising fear responses, emphasising the role of authentic relationships and positive reinforcement in nurturing confidence.

Claire also shares her journey of self-discovery, where the chaotic and raw nature of wrestling helped her lean into her anger, reclaim her joy and heal from a disciplined upbringing in gymnastics and the emotional abuse she suffered as a young athlete.

Through her stories, we explore the contrast between the rigid perfectionism of gymnastics and the liberating unpredictability of wrestling. We discuss the profound impact of mentorship and coaching, highlighting how trust, respect, and emotional grounding can unlock an athlete’s potential.

Finally, we reflect on maintaining passion and physical activity as one ages, focusing on the joy of the process and its significance in achieving a meaningful and impactfu​l life.

Key Takeaways:
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• The Healing Power of Sports: How transitioning from gymnastics to wrestling helped Claire Heafford reclaim her joy, confidence, and physical autonomy. How it allowed her to confront and heal from her past trauma associated with gymnastics.
• Overcoming Fear: Why feeling the fear and doing it anyways is not always the best option.Techniques for acknowledging and working through fear to achieve personal and athletic growth.
• Physical Activity and Joy: The importance of finding joy in physical activities and how it contributes to overall well-being. How mentors and coaches can have a lasting impact on a young person's life.

Let's connect: 

Claire Heafford

Gymnast for change:

https://www.gymnastsforchange.com/

Reset Lab Gymnastics: 

https://resetlabfitness.com/

Play Fight London :

https://playfightlondon.com/    

Dannie Reeve

👉Website: www.danniereeve.com

👉Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theartoflivingconsciously⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Your thoughts, questions and suggestions are always welcome.

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With all my love 💚.

Dannie