In a world where fitness trends come and go, the rise of strength-based workouts and the 'strong not skinny' movement is a refreshing shift. This article delves into the inspiring story of Cara and Maya Halliday, two powerhouse sisters who are leading a charge for a more empowering and inclusive approach to women's fitness.
Empowering Women Through Strength
The Halliday sisters, owners of Sorrella, a female-only gym in Glasgow, are on a mission to change the narrative around women's fitness. Their message is simple yet powerful: "Our message at the gym is around empowering women to train hard, to find confidence, and break stereotypes."
What makes their approach unique is the focus on strength and conditioning. As Cara explains, "We focus on strength and conditioning rather than all conditioning. It's important for building strength, muscle, bone density, and longevity." This is a stark contrast to the trend of aesthetic goals and the pursuit of a 'skinny' ideal.
ATHX: The New Hybrid Fitness Competition
ATHX, a relatively new hybrid fitness competition, is gaining traction worldwide. Founded in 2023, it now spans 11 countries with over 40,000 competitors. The competition consists of six zones, including a warm-up, refuel, and recovery, with a focus on strength, endurance, and partner workouts.
Cara and Maya's involvement in ATHX is not just about competing; it's about creating a community and inspiring others. They ranked first in their pairs category at the Berlin ATHX games and are now bringing their success back to Glasgow, where they hope to encourage more women to embrace strength training and competition.
The Rise of Community Fitness and Travel Trends
The growth of community gyms and fitness events like ATHX and HYROX is not just a local phenomenon. It's a global trend that is shaping travel patterns. VisitScotland has identified athleisure as a key travel trend for 2026, with visitors planning trips around social fitness events.
Scotland, with its diverse fitness scene and events like ATHX in Glasgow, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. As Cara notes, "There's a big fitness scene in Glasgow now, and I expect lots of participants from England as well."
A New Era of Fitness
The story of Cara and Maya Halliday is not just about two successful sisters; it's a reflection of a broader shift in the fitness industry. As Cara observes, "There has been a bit of a change in the fitness industry recently. Women are scared to pull a muscle, but we've spent years trying to reshape women's mindsets towards being strong."
This shift towards strength-based training and the rise of community gyms is a step towards a more inclusive and empowering fitness culture. It's about celebrating strength, both physical and mental, and encouraging women to push their boundaries.
In conclusion, the 'new Hyrox' movement, led by inspiring women like Cara and Maya, is a testament to the power of community, strength, and a positive attitude towards exercise. It's a movement that is here to stay and will continue to shape the future of fitness.
