Nunny’s farm in Grimsby is a sanctuary for farm animals, many of whom have been rescued and rehomed. The farm also operates as a petting farm, welcoming children and adults to walk, feed and interact with the friendly animals. The owners, having worked in the prison service prior to opening the farm are passionate about the benefits that being in nature and around the animals brings to physical and mental wellbeing and are driven by the belief that prevention is better than cure. In the heart of the Nunsthorpe estate in Grimsby, they provide structured therapeutic sessions and outdoor learning for those that need it the most.   The farm provides a variety of activities to foster connection and community, and farm fitness is just one of those. Facilitated by Envision fitness with all money from the classes going back into the farm, I tried the session myself in my pursuits of wellness and nature.

If you have ever been terrified at the prospect of walking into a gym: a sweaty confabulation of overinflated egos and Instagram titties, you are certainly not alone.  Farm fitness then is a literal breath of fresh air.  In a field with the sheep, under the watchful eye of donkeys and a highland cow, you can expect to play tug of war, smash some tyres with hammers and carry some hay bales around in true farmer fashion. The hour session is then followed by yoga and meditation for those that wish and doing the downward dog into a pile of sheep’s poo is actually more liberating than it sounds.

Andy at Envision has a way of creating moments that make you feel invincible:  simple, gentle encouragement and reminders of what we are achieving.  ‘’you are here to become your best version of yourself’’’ and I actually believed that.  We had some fun and laughed at ourselves waddling with some jerry cans.  Andy emphasised the therapeutic power of nature and animals and the benefits of exercising outdoors,  using different terrain works muscles differently as well as all the other benefits that we could digress . Andy also adapts his exercises so absolutely everyone can take part.

The hour went by quickly and we spent some time enjoying the animals, feeding and petting them afterwards and felt alive, aching in a way that lets you know you have been stagnant for too long.

Try farm fitness and see how you feel,  I can guarantee you will have fun!