'I get abuse for training outside - it needs to stop'

A mum-of-two targeted by online trolls after posting videos of herself training outside has urged social media users to "stop abusing women for doing something that makes them happy".

Holly Braithwaite said she had been bombarded with cruel comments after sharing clips of her preparation for a Hyrox event – a high‑intensity fitness competition.

"The majority of comments were from men, but I've also had abuse from women and that actually hurt more," the 38-year-old online fitness coach said.

The abuse ranged from negative comments about her body to name calling but also included threats. "One man messaged saying he was coming down to the gym 'to snap my jaw'," she said. "It can be quite scary."

While many of the men hide behind anonymous accounts, Holly said others use their real profiles and are often pictured with female family members.

"The moment you reply to them and say 'oh, you must be a great role model', they either get more riled up or delete their Instagram altogether," she said.

A recent social media post of her carrying kettlebells in the street - as part of training for the distances required for competition - resulted in abuse "for absolutely no reason at all", Holly said.

"I know that putting yourself online means people can comment, but it shouldn't mean they can abuse you.

"I think if people don't start standing up to it, it just becomes the norm.

"It's by far not the norm. It's not the normal for people to go around speaking like this, whether you're a man or a woman. It's not normal behaviour and I do not want my children thinking that is normal."

Despite the trolling, Holly said she refuses to let strangers dictate her life.

"If this was happening to a friend, I'd tell them straight away 'it's not about you, it's about them'. They're insecure, jealous or unhappy.

"But it's hard to remember that when it's aimed at you."

She said she had even been accused of being a bad mother for working out.

"I've had people saying I wasn't looking after my child properly because I was training," she said.

"I've trained my whole life. No mum is ever going to jeopardise themselves or their child."

She said she continues to train around the school run and other family and job commitments.

Holly, who has trained at a high level for more than 20 years, said it took her a long time to learn to ignore the trolls.

She said she now deletes negative comments straight away but keeps screenshots in case her abusers return.

She said ultimately her message is simple to not let strangers stop you from doing something you love.

"I'm not having my kids grow up in a world where they think doing something that makes them happy is a bad thing.

"I tell my clients all the time if you'd encourage your friend or your child, then encourage yourself too.

"Anyone telling you that you can't is only doing it because they could never do it themselves.

"And I won't ever let that stop me."

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