Positive Mental Health

As we all know, regular exercise will boost our fitness levels, change our body shape, help us lose weight and build muscle. But it also has a huge potential to enhance our mental well-being. Even a short 10 min workout, a quick run or a brisk walk can increase our mental alertness, energy and positive mood.

Participation in regular physical activity, whatever that may be, can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety. It can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression.

With that in mind, we always use the phrase, "make your 60 mins in the gym the best hour of your day" and by that we mean: work at whatever pace you are comfortable with, forget everything else that is going on in your life for this hour and enjoy the escape with your gym friends. Have a laugh or a chat, sweat and relax!

Of course, we know this is easier said than done at times, but has anyone ever genuinely regretted a workout or going for a walk to clear the head? Even if it only makes you feel good for a short time, it's worth it.

Our lives now are so, so consumed by adverts, online games, busy schedules, social media, YouTube, Tik Tok etc, etc and unfortunately for some, drugs and alcohol can also take it's toll. It's not hard to see how or why any of us would feel overwhelmed or start to feel down. There are so many added pressures that come hand in hand with these things too, such as self esteem, bullying, peer pressure, body image, addiction, debt and trying to keep up with Mrs Jones. It can all become too much.

Now more than ever, we need to start proactively looking after our mental wellness and keep an eye on each other.

There's lots of professional help available and we would certainly encourage anyone to seek it if necessary. Likewise, if all you need is to blow off some steam, release some stress and chat to a mate, the gym is the perfect medicine.