Tanya Goldhaber – Global Strategy Manager
For the Colt Charity Challenge I am cycling, running, walking, and competitive ballroom dancing.
I got into ballroom dancing around nine years ago when I was at Cambridge University. Being a competitive person, I couldn’t just learn to dance – I had to learn to dance on a team. All the way up until lockdown, my husband and I were competing actively, so when we went into lockdown I was finding it really hard to focus and stay alert during the day. Before then, I would have walked about a mile before arriving at work. Now it’s just 10 metres to my desk.
The Colt Charity Challenge has given me an opportunity to be competitive again. Having a physical challenge and being a part of a community of people who are also pushing themselves has been really good for me psychologically – especially when everyone around the world has had so many things taken away from them that they usually use to keep them grounded. It’s important for me to have something external to strive for and the sense of accomplishment that comes after you achieve your goal.
Staying active definitely helps my mental health too. The days when I do some form of exercise are the days I am most positive and feel as though I can deal with anything coming my way. It’s a crucial component to keeping me going.
For the challenge so far, I’ve cycled from London to Brighton. Next, I really want to try cycling from London to Cambridge and, now that the studios are open again, my husband and I can get back to ballroom dancing and log our practice time.
Taking part in The Colt Charity Challenge is also about raising money for such an important cause. In the UK we’re raising money for Richard House Children’s Hospice, which provides palliative care to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across London as well as supporting the families of these really sick kids. We’re facing an unprecedented time and many charities don’t have the resources to get through it, so I’m glad we’re supporting them – especially at a time when it’s so difficult for charities to fundraise.
I believe everyone should get stuck into The Colt Charity Challenge – it’s collaborative and is bringing together Colties for a great cause. Colt has made the event inclusive for everyone to take part this year – even if you don’t want to cycle or run, there are plenty of other ways to get involved.
My fitness tips
Exercise regularly
You’ll be fitter and happier if you exercise for 10 minutes 5 times per week than if you do an hour once a week. Find something that you can see yourself doing regularly and make a deal with yourself about what’s enough. I’ve started doing hourly workouts where I write myself a routine and do one minute of exercise every hour. I’ve even got my friends into it through a WhatsApp group chat!
Choose something you love
Exercise should be fun! It extends to so many different activities you might not have thought of, like walking to the shops or Zumba. Try something new and find what you like doing.
Don’t be afraid to get sweaty
I’m originally from the US, and since moving to the UK ten years ago, I’ve noticed that it’s much less common for women to do team sports here. I don’t think women should be afraid to get sweaty and get muscles!
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