Winter Arc - Innovating Women's Health.
On Sunday 25 October 2026, Rizon Health hosted the first of three Winter Arc workshops: free women's callisthenics, nutrition and wellbeing sessions that will bring together more than 100 women across Sandwell and Birmingham by the end of the year.
The session took place at CrossFit Digbeth in Birmingham. The project's head sports coach, Tahiyah, smashed it, supported by our incredibly skilled personal trainers Jordan and Adellah, alongside our team of project managers and community engagers.
Special thanks to Melaine for the great photos too!
Our impact
Every participant who completed our post-session survey said the workshop supported their mental health and left them feeling more connected and less isolated and all said they want to come back.
Measure | Result |
Said the session supported their mental health | 100% |
Felt more connected to others and less socially isolated or lonely | 100% |
Said the session catered for all abilities | 100% |
Want to attend Winter Arc again | 100% |
Feel confident and motivated to be active (4 or 5 out of 5) | 89% |
Average workshop rating | 9.4 out of 10 |
Rated the workshop a perfect 10 | 67% |
We are reaching women who are often under-served by mainstream fitness and health services:
94% are from ethnic groups other than White British, and 44% are Black, Black British, Caribbean or African
83% are aged under 35, with more than one in five aged 18 to 24
22% are not currently in education, employment or training
11% used the Rizon Health Travel Bursary, removing cost as a barrier to taking part
Every participant had access to an accredited instructor, and two-thirds took home fitness equipment or supplements to keep going after the session, thanks to the event ssponsors WOD Powders and TENZING.
All our attendees also had access to free healthy food!
In their own words
"I really love that this event popped up! It was the perfect excuse to get out of bed and beat the winter blues."
"I really enjoyed today's session and the food was so yum! All the hosts and coaches were really positive and motivating. They helped me try my best. Can't wait to come to any sessions in the future."
"You guys were amazing hosts and really encouraged us to get to know each other."
"Educated staff members! Helpful. Friendly. Good location. Good snacks (love fruit) and the drinks."
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." (Henry Ford, shared by a participant)
What is Winter Arc?
Winter Arc is a seasonal reset focused on becoming stronger in every area of life: physically, mentally and nutritionally.
Winter is often the season when motivation drops and routines slip. Rather than waiting for January to start again, Winter Arc gives women the chance to start now, build momentum with like-minded people and enter the new year already feeling stronger, healthier and more focused.
The series is designed for women who want to:
get stronger and more confident
improve their relationship with movement and exercise
learn practical nutrition tips
reset their mindset and routines
meet other like-minded women
No gym experience is needed. Every session is inclusive and adapted to different ability levels.
Move. Fuel. Reset.
The three-hour workshop combined three parts, each built to help women reset, refocus and make the most of the winter season.
Move. A fun, functional calisthenics session. Participants worked in small groups with a qualified personal trainer, challenging themselves at their own level.
Fuel. Free nutritious snacks to support training, alongside practical guidance on everyday nutrition and wellbeing.
Reset. A mindset-focused conversation to help participants reflect on the habits and goals they want to carry through winter and into the new year.
As well as the training itself, the afternoon was about connection. Participants met like-minded women and began building a group that will keep each other accountable through the rest of the series.
Staying connected
To keep the community connected between sessions, Tahiyah has also built a dedicated social media channel for the initiative. Follow the Winter Arc journey on Instagram at @PRETTYREPS , @RIZON_HEALTH and @TAHXYAH.
What's next
Two more Winter Arc workshops will take place before the end of 2026. Each is free, with limited spaces, and open to women of all abilities. Get your ticket on our FREE Health Events page.
We asked participants how we could improve, and we are acting on what they told us:
Fewer cameras. A new media agreement means only consenting volunteers will be photographed, so everyone feels comfortable.
Staying warm. We will remind everyone to bring extra layers for the rest periods.
Longer sessions and ability groups. We are looking at more time to train, with beginner and advanced groups.
More team challenges. Group games to help participants build connections from the start.
Thank you
Winter Arc is made possible by the National Lottery Community Fund project delivered by Bloom+ CIC and Rizon Health. Thank you to everyone who took part, and to our coaches, trainers, project managers, community engagers and photographers who made the first session such a success.
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