Mental health Archives - Pure Fitness and Wellbeing

How do you measure success when it comes to your fitness and wellbeing?

Sometimes we can get overwhelmed feeling we need to have the perfect fitness clothes, shoes, and equipment to even get started.

Have you ever told yourself, ‘I’ll have a better chance of succeeding if I start after the school holidays, or at the beginning of the month’?

Or perhaps.. ‘When I can afford to get those new Nikes, then I’ll start running in the morning’.

Or maybe your thoughts were governed by the weather.. ‘When the mornings get warmer, then it will be easier to get out of bed and

I’ll start a morning workout routine’.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry you are not alone.

So many of us put off our fitness and wellbeing with the misconception that a future ideal state would enable us to get the results we are after.

To be honest, the best time to start is now. Baby steps regardless of where the starting point is, allow us to make progress in the right direction. And remember movement of any kind is always beneficial.

One of my clients struggled to do even 10 push-up in a row when we first started working together. He was hesitant to start the Push Up Challenge in June as he honestly didn’t believe he was capable of doing it.

What we often forget is our perspective creates our reality.. and so we worked on changing his perspective. We broke down the end goal of 3144 push-ups in 23 days to 137 push-ups a day, and broke that down even further to 15 push-ups every hour for 9 hours with an additional 2 to make the 137 daily goal.

My client found this breakdown to still be a massive stretch… but one he was willing to try.

He used the app to track his progress which empowered him further with the endorphin hit of achieving small goals hourly and daily.

By the 23^rd day, he was able to do 30 push-ups in one sitting! That’s a mammoth achievement and one worth celebrating. He even raised money for an awesome cause and most importantly taught himself an incredible lesson.. he was capable of achieving success in ways he thought were impossible.

Watch Reid complete the last set of his 3144 Push Ups for Push for Mental Health Challenge here

What’s a fitness goal you stretched yourself to achieve?

What strategies did you employ to help you master negative self-talk and apprehension?

As a Mobile Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach I support you to uncover those unhelpful thought patterns and programming that block you from achieving your fitness goals. I work with you to reframe your beliefs about your potential and capability when it comes to health and fitness. And I challenge you to break through the self-sabotaging habits that prevent you from starting and maintaining a fitness regime that benefits your body, mind and spirit.

Get in touch now to learn more about my Mobile Personal Training services. ‘Get Fit With a Friend’ is the most cost-effective and fun way to get your energy levels and stamina up whilst working out with a friend in your own home or my home gym.

Book your complimentary fitness consultation here

As you may of heard the 3144 push-ups in 23 days starts tomorrow.

This challenge is a great opportunity to support an important cause as every day we lose more than 6 men to suicide in Australia, with males accounting for around three-quarters of national suicides.

The benefit of challenges such as this is the awareness and connection it creates. Many Australians come together, get fit and have fun for The Push-Up Challenge.

It is going to take lots of effort and strong will power but it is doable. 3144 push-ups in 23 days means an average of 137 push-ups a day.

It may sounds extreme and impossible for many people. But if you split it into small intervals of 15 push-ups every hour, it may not feel as bad.

You could raise money, or just awareness through your commitment to this challenge and you’ll improve your own health and well-being at the same time.

Together, we can push for better mental health.

If you are keen download this 3144 Push Ups in 23 Days Challenge Tracker I’ve created to help you break it down into achievable sessions and track you progress as you go!

The goal is 3,144 push-ups. But if sit-ups, squats or another exercise are more your thing? Then go for it. Even doing half the push-up total (1,572) is a big achievement. If it ups the heartrate and shines a light on male suicide, we’re all for it.

Stay strong and healthy

Jacek
Join the Movember 3144 Push Up Challenge

Jacek from Pure Fitness and Wellbeing completing the 3314 in 23 day push up challenge with dogs

How Can Exercise and Fitness Impact Mental Health?

As a Personal trainer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that fitness and exercise can have on not just our physical health but also our mental well-being.

It’s not just about building muscles and losing weight; it’s about finding inner strength, improving self-confidence, and even preventing the unthinkable.

There is undoubtedly a profound connection between fitness, exercise, and mental health, and its role in suicide prevention.

The Science Behind the Connection

Exercise isn’t just a mood-booster; it’s backed by science! When we engage in physical activity, our brain releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, often referred to as “feel-good” chemicals. These neurotransmitters help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation. Regular exercise also improves blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and overall mental well-being.

Stress Relief and Emotional Resilience

Life can throw us some serious curveballs, and stress can take a toll on our mental health. However, exercise acts as a powerful stress reliever. Whether it’s a high-intensity workout or a calming yoga session, physical activity helps us channel our emotions, release tension, and clear our minds. It boosts our emotional resilience, allowing us to cope better with daily challenges and bounce back from setbacks.

Boosting Self-Confidence and Empowerment

One of the remarkable outcomes of regular exercise is the positive impact it has on our self-confidence and self-esteem. As we set and achieve fitness goals, we witness our bodies and minds transform. This sense of accomplishment not only improves our body image but also instills a deep sense of empowerment and self-belief. Feeling strong and capable, we become more resilient against negative thoughts and better equipped to overcome difficult times.

Creating a Supportive Community

Fitness and exercise can also provide a platform for building meaningful connections and fostering a supportive community. Joining group fitness classes, sports teams, or workout clubs allows individuals to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and struggles. This sense of belonging and camaraderie offers a vital support system, providing encouragement, motivation, and a sense of belonging.

Suicide Prevention

While fitness and exercise alone may not be a cure-all for mental health conditions or suicidal thoughts, they play an essential role in prevention. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which are often linked to suicidal ideation. Engaging in exercise can serve as a positive coping mechanism, providing individuals with a healthy outlet for their emotions and a sense of purpose.

Fitness and exercise are powerful tools that positively impact both our physical and mental well-being. As a personal trainer, I strongly believe that incorporating regular physical activity into our lives can enhance our mental health, build resilience, and play a crucial role in suicide prevention.

So lace up those sneakers, find an activity you enjoy, and let fitness guide you towards a healthier mind, body, and soul.