About Captain Heidi
Mast Motto: ‘Anything is possible!’
If you’ve come across my profile on social media, you’d be forgiven that on face value, at times, I could be perceived as a ‘typical’ fitness instructor with a relatively healthy body, great nutritional plan, whilst being highly motivational, positive and engaging. Someone who has the world at their feet and leads this upbeat, energising, lifestyle…. WRONG!
Appearances and generalised stereotypes about people who work within the health and wellbeing communities can sometimes be misleading. For example, I came across exercise quite accidentally as a child thrown into gymnastics as a way of burning up the excess energy that I had. Training four times a week and competing for 10 years became a way of life, a form of socialisation and understanding whereby physical activity became a functioning norm and way of coping with life’s challenges and personal emotions.


Societal pressures and human interactions can be quite difficult and challenging at times. I’ve learnt overtime to look at what I can control and act positively on, rather than worrying about other people’s behaviours and acceptances. So, if you’re looking at posts about HMS Shipshape Dance Classes that I teach, and you’re worried about coming along with all those associated self-loathing thoughts and pre-conceived perceptions around health and fitness, but you really want to give it a go, be rest assured that you won’t be judged on your fitness levels, body confidence etc. We embrace fun, community, solidarity, friendship and support. Everyone is welcome and there is no judgement on your participation. We encourage you to work within your own personal level and enjoy together as a group, a moment of escapism and freedoms to some fantastic music, dances and chats.
Remember together we can achieve so much more. Even coming along to a class, making that first step, and trying it out is an achievement and something to be proud of. It’s not failure if you show up and realise that it may not be for you, it just means another door opening and another pathway opportunity to potentially explore.
