Thank you Mayyah

When I called the Commando Temple in 2015 to find out about beginner martial arts classes, little did I know that I’d soon be sucked into the world of strongwoman and kettlebells.

But from the first class I did with Mayyah, I was hooked. Having never lifted heavy before, as a (very amateur) triathlete and distance runner I thought strength and conditioning was all about doing lots of reps on light weights. Now, everything has a place and I’m certainly not disregarding that as a form of exercise, but what Mayyah introduced me to has become a way of life for me and has absolutely contributed to my longevity as an endurance athlete.

What is more important though, is the confidence that I have gained from working with Mayyah. I came to the gym with low self-esteem and, like many women, a challenging relationship with my body. But Mayyah has helped me to develop a real respect for my body and what it can do. With unending patience, a vast technical knowledge of picking up oddly shaped heavy objects, and an incredibly attuned emotional presence, Mayyah has encouraged me to morph into the kind of strong woman I previously admired from a distance. Her own formidable track record does not in any way make her intimidating – she meets you where you’re at (and I’ve been at every level of high and low over the years) – and finds a way to help you get stronger – physically but also mentally and emotionally.

I am proud of the me of 6 years ago who contacted the Commando Temple, but even more grateful to Mayyah for everything she’s done since she picked up the phone to me. Here’s to strong women! Thank you Mayyah