During 5-15 August, the BMC will be running a campaign aimed at encouraging more women to get involved in climbing, hill walking and mountaineering. Here's seven reasons why you should support the campaign and get involved.
1. Support a great cause
Women tend to participate in all sport and physical activity less frequently than men with 31% of women taking part compared to 40.8% men. The same is true for climbing, hill walking and mountaineering, but 13 million women want to do more. At the BMC we’re keen to readdress this imbalance which is why we've launched #WomenOutdoors Week.
2. Find new climbing and hill walking partners
We know a lot of men and women who climb, hill walk and mountaineer who are keen to encourage more women into the activities they love. The campaign aims to encourage those already involved, both male and female, to take women they know out for a day on the hills, at the crag or at the local climbing wall. Of those women who already climb, 51% first participated with friends, having that familiar face to go along with is a great support for many women. Whether it’s a friend, mum, daughter, auntie or sister, we all know someone who would like to get more active, and would benefit from climbing or hill walking. Let's help them catch the climbing bug !
3. Improve your fitness
Both rock climbing and hill walking are great for improving both physical and mental health. Rock Climbing is a fun workout, great for toning, and great personal challenge. For Beth, climbing couldn't have been more important for its impact on mental wellbeing. You'll be amazed how quickly you can progress, and how much stronger those arms will get.
4. A new challenge
Maybe you've been looking for a new challenge, or a new hobby? Well there's no better time than #WomenOutdoors Week to get started. It can be daunting going along to a new activity for the first time, but we're all beginners at some point ! And with specific beginner women-only activities taking place at various climbing walls, you can be sure you wont be the only newbie there.
5. Get outdoors
Exploring new places with friends and family by going climbing or walking is great fun. If you've been wanting to spend more time as a family, or been looking for new things to get involved in with your friends then #WomenOutdoors Week will be great for you. Both climbing and hill walking are social activities, you'll be able to challenge yourself, but everyone can get involved together.
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6. Win awesome prizes
Cotswold Outdoor are supporting this campaign and are offering up some awesome prizes, including a FitBit, an Osprey Daylite Rucksack and gift cards. You can be in with a chance of winning one of these prizes by getting outdoors and sharing your photos or comments with us on Twitter – @TGCclimbing , @CotswoldOutdoor – and most importantly use #WomenOutdoors.
7. Make a difference
The benefits of getting active in the outdoors are huge, 45% of women are not active enough for good health and physical inactivity is the fourth largest cause of disease and disability in the UK according to Public Health England. By getting involved in #WomenOutdoors Week, and supporting women you know to make that first step itno trying a new activity you can make a real difference to someone's physical and mental health.
How can you join the campaign?
If you're already a competent climber, hill walker or mountaineer and know women in your circle of friends, or female family members who you think would benefit from getting involved why not arrange to take them hill walking or climbing between 5-15 August. Don't forget to tell us about it and enter our Twitter competition using #WomenOutdoors, @TGCclimbing and @CotswoldOutdoor .
For those who want to join an organised activity we’ve also asked climbing walls, and outdoor activity providers whether they would like to be part of #WomenOutdoors Week. There are a number of events for new climbers and walkers where you can have a go.
Choose your area to find out what's on near you!
If you would like to find out more about #WomenOutdoors Week and how you can get involved please contact: Joanna@thebmc.co.uk .
The BMC TV Women in Adventure Film Competition is back and accepting submissions for 2022. So dive in, if you have a story to tell or a cause to share it's time to do so!
We want to see your adventures captured on film and keep the cycle of inspiration rolling as we head into the eighth year of the competition, supported by Montane.
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