About Women Warriors
Hello, I’m Claire Aves, the founder of Women Warriors. Our mission goes beyond fitness – we’re all about creating a supportive community where women can focus on their mindset and overall well-being. Women Warriors isn’t just a fitness program; it’s a place where like-minded women come together. Whether you’re a busy mum, a supportive partner, or simply navigating life’s challenges, our community provides a space to connect, make new friends, and grow together.
Our aim is to safely and effectively explore your physical and mental capabilities and limitations. We focus on nurturing the three key areas:
– Mind: Strengthening mental resilience, self-belief, and positive thinking.
– Body: Offering military-style training that emphasises teamwork, social bonding, and individual fitness.
– Soul: Providing moments of relaxation and self-care.
I have designed Women Warriors for women of all physical abilities. The course structure enables you to discover your true potential, achieve success within yourself, and connect with fellow warriors who share your journey. We’re not just about physical fitness; we’re about changing mindsets. Our goal is to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle beyond the gym.
With over 18 years of experience as a qualified Personal Trainer and coach, I’ve worked with thousands of men and women. Today, I continue to run my successful business, Claire Aves Fitness, while empowering women through Women Warriors.
My journey
The journey into the world of sports wasn’t just a choice for me; it became a lifeline during one of the darkest chapters of my life. At 17, I made the difficult decision to leave my family home with my then-boyfriend. What followed was nearly three years of enduring both mental and physical abuse, each day chipping away at my self-worth until there was almost nothing left. I suffered in silence, dealing with the torment alone, while my education faltered and my mental well-being plummeted to its lowest depths.
Finally, at 19, I found the courage to break free from the suffocating grasp of that toxic relationship. Those 2 ½ years were undeniably the hardest I’ve ever faced, but they also became the crucible that forged the person I am today.
I became pregnant at the age of 20 and had to bring up my daughter alone. I was thrust into the role of a sole caregiver, wrestling with years of pent-up emotions of anger, hurt, and confusion, without a clear path forward. It was then that boxing entered my life. In the ring, and having experienced four boxing fights, I discovered not just an outlet for my frustrations, but a means to reclaim control over my emotions. I feel now that this was a saviour to my mental health which is my aim with Women Warriors. I am a big believer that fitness can save a person in more ways than they understand.
My passion for combat sports blossomed from there. I soon got into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and combat fighting. Through the physicality of these sports, I found a means through which I could not only confront my past but forgive myself for allowing such mistreatment.
In 2015, I ventured into bodybuilding, ascending to a professional athlete status in two different federations and competing across the UK, Europe, and America. Reaching a professional level with WBFF and IFBB Sport has always been my true love. Powerlifting briefly entered my repertoire, just before Covid, instilling within me a profound sense of strength and empowerment.
Yet, perhaps my most defining moment came with my participation in the gruelling TV show ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins – Series 7’ on Channel 4. I reached the finale alongside three other courageous women, I pushed my physical and mental limits to the brink in a series of intense military-style challenges. It was a testament to not only the resilience that I had cultivated in the face of adversity, but also to the empathy and kindness that my difficult years instilled in me.
Empowering women – from adversity to action
Today, as the founder of Women Warriors, I am on a mission to empower and uplift others, particularly women and the younger generation, using the lessons I’ve gleaned from my own journey. Through military-style events held across various locations in the UK, the program focuses on mindset strategies, motivational speakers, and disciplined training, I aim to foster not only physical strength but also camaraderie, self-belief, and a resilient spirit. Further information is available on this web page.
Moreover, Women Warriors proudly supports Women’s Aid, a grassroots federation dedicated to providing life-saving services and creating a future where domestic violence is intolerable. Five percent of every sale goes to this vital cause, and you can further support by donating or attending our fundraising events. Please check the links on my pages .
Join us on this transformative journey, where together, we can build strength, resilience, and a community of empowered women.
