Horsham-based female personal trainer, Becky, overcame a childhood dislike of fitness in pursuit of her own health. Having experienced mental health issues herself, the topic of Mental Health Awareness Week is close to her heart, as is 2024’s theme of movement. Here, she shares her take on the link between the two…
Having initially been excited about Mental Health Awareness Week being focused on movement, I’m now concerned that the narrative might be a bit reductive, as well as ableist and ignorant of a few other privileges. So I’ve decided to do what I always do, and give a completely independent take along with my suggestions.
Due to my own experience of exercise, I know it’s not as simple as finding a buddy, or chunking it down further, or trying new things – all of those things are actually a lot harder than they sound, and not appealing to everyone either! I could talk about mental health and exercise until the cows come home, but nobody would read that blog, so instead I’m going to share three tips which have really helped me, and may help you or someone you know.
Be realistic about what you can do
I say this a lot. Whether it’s that you’re just starting to exercise, coming back from a break, trying a new activity, or upping the ante, set yourself up for success. Promising yourself that you’ll go from 0-60 is almost certainly setting you up to fail. There’s absolutely no shame in making something easier to accomplish, and taking small steps is a great way to do that.
If what you can fit in is one session per week, then that’s what you should aim for. Guess what? It’s where I started. Time and money were limited for me when I first started going to the gym. I did the maths, and worked out that, if I could get to the gym once per week, I’d made it worth the money. So that’s what I did. One session eventually became two – that took months, though – and on it went from there. You don’t have to hit the slippery slope as hard as I did, either. I promise you it’s not compulsory to become a personal trainer!
Know when to stop or say no
A lot of people are saying that rest is important, and it’s true. Sometimes, the mind is willing, or the schedule says it’s supposed to happen, and the body disagrees. We have to listen to our bodies.
When starting something new, or rehabbing, a bit of discomfort is to be expected. I’m not a “no pain, no gain” kind of coach, but I also refuse to lie – recovery is physically uncomfortable. And there’s a difference between pain that we need to acknowledge and respond to, and discomfort that we have to nudge past in order to progress.
Sometimes, there’s no immediate way around it other than to sit it out for a minute, and that’s ok too.
The right coaching for you is invaluable
Again, I speak from experience. I’ve used a PT myself. I also grew up horse riding, and lost count of the number of instructors I’ve trained with by the time I was 18 (I’m now 37). I’ve also gone through several yoga teachers before finding the right one.
Coaches are different, and coaching preferences are individual.
If you’re not enjoying an activity, take a look at who is teaching you and how, rather than instantly assuming that it’s all wrong. It might still be. But it’s also worth looking at whether or not you’re comfortable with the person you’re working with, and whether they’re speaking your language. Sometimes, a change in personality and approach is what’s needed. There are plenty of personal trainers out there, and very few of them are completely fully booked.
Movement and mental health – there’s more
This is clearly a very brief summary of my thoughts. I’d also like to remind you that movement can hopefully be part of your journey, but it shouldn’t be anyone’s only resource. You may also benefit from talking therapy. You might find medication helpful. It could be that a therapet (or theraplant) will help you. And there are plenty more things I could mention.
My take is that those who can move, should, in a way that they like. And they should aim for it to be part of their strategy, rather than their only tool.
If you’ve found this useful, please share it! If you like the way I talk, and would like to discuss your wants and needs, please get in touch.