For those with mental health issues, exercise can save lives

MD,

British Military Fitness

I read the articles about mental health in the June issue of Health Club Management with great interest (see HCM June 14, p30 and p56) and was moved to write this letter to show the impact we can all have.

Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life, whether it’s preparing for a job interview or managing a household. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in most countries and, if not managed, can take over your life.

Every week I get to hear about member success stories from across our 140 parks. To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week in May, I learnt about the role BMF has, and continues to play, in the lives of some of our members who have mental health and wellbeing issues.

Quotes include: “I truly believe that BMF has been one of the largest, most crucial parts of my recovery and rehabilitation back to the community... Having classes at certain times helps me structure my days and helps motivate me to get there... it makes me feel better and stops me from withdrawing.”

Many members cite the social side of BMF as being just as important as the physical benefits. But it’s the following quote that I feel best sums up the impact we as a provider – and indeed the fitness industry as a sector – can have on people’s lives: “Four and a half years later, with various counselling, CBT and medicines, my depression is much improved. However, above all those treatments, BMF has been the most helpful thing I’ve done.

“It’s made such a big impact on my life and I don’t know where I would be without it. I wish BMF were available on the NHS for people struggling with anxiety and depression... British Military Fitness is more than exercise to me – I would go so far as to say it’s saved my life.”

We as providers and a sector are saving lives. Our members are people and not just numbers, and making a real difference to their lives is what we are truly about.

The social side of outdoor group exercise can aid anxiety and depression

Poor technique: How long can we let this go on?

Personal trainer
,

From time to time, I get very wound up about what happens in at least some of our gyms. Recently this has been happening rather often.

The issue is this: a significant number of gym members exercise with very poor technique. This is particularly the case with resistance work, although lack of attention to form while using cardiovascular equipment happens too.

It’s particularly worrying seeing clients practise poor technique when they are working with a personal trainer and it’s not corrected.

Poor form reduces the benefit of the exercise and increases the risk of injury – so why is this problem not addressed? Can our gym staff not recognise poor technique? Do they lack the confidence and skills to talk with members and help ensure they’re undertaking effective and safe exercise? Or maybe we’re just not bothered – members pay their direct debits and what happens thereafter does not concern us.

The thing is, our gyms have the potential to make a huge impact on the health and fitness of their members and the wider population. It’s an equally huge pity when this is not realised because members exercise badly.

Personal trainers must ensure they correct poor technique / Photo: shutterstock.com/Andresr