International Women's Day - Reinvention: Triumph over Injury

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and we've decided to celebrate, and catch up with one of our own - Angela McShane, the Founder and Director of The Reinvention: Triumph over Injury. Angela is a good pal and long-standing client at Hampden Sports Clinic. Off the back of a tragic accident, Angela is now an ambassador for road safety and an inspirational educational speaker.

'The Reinvention' was born one autumn evening in 2001. Angela suffered life-changing injuries as a result of a hit-and-run driver who was high on drink and drugs. However, it turned out not to be the end but a new beginning for her.

Angela spent many years after rebuilding her body and her life, facing and overcoming challenges which she and many medical professionals would have never thought possible. Her journey to where she is today has been an often long and difficult one but she could never be more grateful for where it has now led her to.

One of biggest topics Angela has among my female friends is the challenge of women balancing the roles of family, work and, for her at least, trying to fit in time for a fitness routine in a busy schedule. "We try and not feel guilty about taking time out for ourselves to look after our health."

Before having her baby, Angela had a strict routine of physiotherapy and gym fitness training as part of her daily routine here at Hampden Sports Injury Clinic. And then during my pregnancy, she met her Hampden physio again to arrange a new routine, a more relaxed training programme yet one that allowed her to stay strong and healthy for baby during my pregnancy. And it worked perfectly.

Once she was gifted with a beautiful, healthy baby she found it increasingly harder finding the time and getting into the mindset of leaving baby and husband and going to the gym.

The feeling of guilt grew. She felt guilty leaving the house to do fitness in order to keep her body strong. She was also feeling guilty that when she did, she could not seem to master my previous workout routine post-pregnancy, she felt guilty about gym sessions taking longer than before. And also felt concerned about how she was going to be able to cope with work, a new baby, the usual domestic housework and trying to fit in fitness to my day.

Rather than sharing, she struggled on trying to balance all this whilst feeling bad all at the same time. Angela's husband could see she wasn’t as happy as she usually was with my fitness routine. So, Angela reached out to our physio Jenny at Hampden and arranged an appointment to discuss her fitness struggles post-birth and with her regular everyday fitness challenges. After her 1-hour appointment, she felt listened to, supported and guilt-free. After that appointment, she had a new outlook, with excellent support and a new physio/training routine. She felt empowered. She felt she was in charge of her own fitness routine once again and the feeling of guilt now disappearing.

Lesson learned: If you are struggling with your fitness or physio routine or perhaps not feeling motivated, then please reach out to Hampden or someone you trust who can help guide you back on the right path.

Asking for and receiving help is such an enriching feeling. Looking after our own health is such an amazing and rewarding investment. To be the best versions of who you are is such a gift, personally and for those around you.

If you have a question on training, please just share. We are happy to help here at Hampden Sports Clinic...

We’re delighted announce this feature is a preview of what lies ahead. We’re kicking a blog series with Angela. Over the coming weeks and months we will be catching up with Angela, and exploring her community which provides support, advice and assistance to those who have experienced a life-changing injury of their own. This will also cover the wider implications, recovery process and the ripple effect for families, friends and loved ones of those coming to terms with their injuries.