Move Your Mood: How Group Fitness Can Boost Your Mental Wellbeing During Mental Health Awareness Week

Have you noticed that when you are more stressed you may eat more than usual or you may crave more fast food, high in carbs and sugar?

This Mental Health Awareness Week, the focus is on Stress Management and "Movement: Moving more for our mental health." While the importance of exercise for physical health is well-known and globally recognised, its positive impact on mental wellbeing is often overlooked or not really talked about.

Our well-being is a combination of how we feel physically and mentally. Physical well-being includes factors like our energy levels, physical fitness, and overall comfort in our bodies. Mental well-being encompasses our thoughts, emotions, and perspectives on life.

These two aspects are interconnected. When one is out of balance, it can affect the other. For instance, stress can manifest as physical tension, while negative self-talk can lead to feelings of exhaustion.

Do you Eat or Drink Because of Stress?

To help you navigate through everyday mental challenges and manage stress, we've created a valuable tool: a 5-Day Journal for Stress Relief.

This resource will guide you in understanding your mental well-being and develop strategies for better managing stress and anxiety.
Download your Free Copy HERE!

The physical aspect of Mental Health and Well-being goes beyond the biological.

Fitness activities but especially Group fitness classes offer a unique opportunity to combine the mood-boosting effects of exercise with the power of community in a safe and supporting environment.

Exercise

Here is a roadmap we recommend you embank on to maximize the positive impact of our Group exercise classes.

Workout Together, Feel Stronger Together

Group fitness classes provide a welcoming space to connect with others who share similar goals. Moving to the music, following a routine together brings a shared experience during a workout create a sense of belonging and support.

Our most popular classes you can easily start your journey with are:

• Aqua Aerobics – Fantastic way to get your body start moving especially if you have any sort of joint issues or mobility problems. It is a low-impact, full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, using the resistance of water to reduce the risk of injury. You can attend Aqua Aerobics classes at our Heeley Pool & Gym, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Springs Leisure Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Concord Sports Centre as well.
• Spinning/ Group Cycling – If you're looking for a more upbeat exercise option, Spinning is an excellent choice. These classes offer a low-impact, high-intensity cardiovascular workout that boosts endurance and calorie burning, adaptable to various fitness levels in an encouraging group setting. With multiple classes offered throughout the day, you can easily find a time that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
• Zumba/ Dance Fitness - This is a form of enduring fitness class that's sure to keep a smile on your face, which can be incredibly beneficial in combating mental health issues. Zumba/ Dance Fitness combines dance and fitness moves set to energetic music, making it a fun and effective way to improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, and enhance coordination.
• Yoga/ Pilates - And finally, whether you choose Yoga or Pilates, both can provide relaxing routines that not only improve physical health but are also known to enhance mental well-being by teaching you how to manage stress, anxiety through movement and breathing techniques.

Exercising should not be about struggle, loneliness, or isolation.
Join our Group Fitness Classes HERE and say goodbye to low mood and say hello to your new fitness family.

The beauty of group fitness classes lies in the variety. Whether you're a Zumba enthusiast or a yoga devotee, there's a class out there for everyone. We offer over 240 classes across our venues to choose from.
This allows you to find activities you genuinely enjoy, making exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun social outing. Sharing post-workout chats or grabbing a coffee in our café area together with classmates can forge lasting connections, expanding your social circle, and providing a valuable support network outside the gym.

Did you know you can upgrade your existing membership with just £10 and you will have unlimited access to all of our Group Fitness Classes?
Learn more about it HERE.

Mental Health Awareness Week is a timely reminder to prioritize our mental well-being, and an opportunity to build lasting habits that can and may go beyond this week.

We're proud to be an inclusive and affordable gym!
Committed to making fitness accessible and affordable for everyone in our community.
See if you qualify for our concessionary rates and other discounts!

So, lace up your sneakers, grab a friend (or go solo!), and find a class that gets you moving. Remember, it's all about finding "movement" that works for you – and the positive mental health effects will likely follow suit.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to message us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.