Putting the mental health in fitness

When people embark on a health and fitness journey, they tend to focus on the physical – eating well, while balancing that nutrition with targeted exercises to shed fat and sculpt the body. But what many seem to neglect is the mental element, an aspect that is just as important, if not moreso, on this road to wellness. We spoke with personal trainers Orandy Smith and Dianne Brown on the topic.

Smith explained in a recent interview that he has had to make a transition when it came to his programme, after coming to the realisation that the root cause of the problem is mental. “It’s really a mental battle. Most of the issues people have surround not planning the day, or overeating, for example,” the personal trainer of five years told Lifestyle. This, he said, stems from anxiety and overthinking. The problems created are compounded by existing problems, and when persons can’t seem to solve the troubles of now and the future, then, according to Smith, they meet up on stumbling and crippling blocks of stress.

So when people come in for the first week, he sensitises them about the programme’s main purpose. “Yes, they are here to get fit, but at the core, you will have to prioritise yourself. I am there to talk about mental health and set up an environment where they can prioritise themselves,” he said.

“People put everyone first and leave themselves behind. I train my clients to realise that you cannot pour from an empty cup; you cannot give what you don’t have. You have to put yourself first; get your health in check, be there for yourself first before you can be there properly for anyone else,” he stressed.

Another aspect of the programme is accountability. When you’re accountable to yourself, your mental space is at a better place. “Exercise and eating properly are excellent for your mental health, because it is something you are doing for yourself. This allows you to feel better about yourself. Physical changes are add-ons and bonuses on the journey. But it’s the mental triumphs that win in the end.”

Brown agrees that mental and physical wellness goes hand in hand and has created a company, Dobfitness, for women to have a space where they not only shed pounds, but stress, too. The sessions are designed for queens to unwind and de-stress from busy days.

“Outside of the workouts, monthly yoga sessions are available for spiritual and mental wellness. Yoga and meditation are also excellent ways to keep mentally fit. And there’s nothing like the hands-on support, andDobfitness community, to let the queens know that they are never alone on their journey towards becoming their best selves,” she revealed.

Contrary to the belief that mental health is important to the physical, the wellness trainer is of the view that fitness is what plays an integral hand in improving a person’s mental health. As a fitness fanatic herself, she has found physical activities to be her saving grace.

She noted, “I know that when I move, my body and brain are happier and function better. I can see things clearly, it puts me in a better mood, and it reduces stress and anxiety. Being mentally fit requires physical fitness.”

Her suggestions included a few ways in which persons can align their mental and physical health. “Take the time to get outside and move. There’s something truly refreshing about getting fresh air and seeing the trees and the clouds. Changing your scenery can change your entire outlook.” Another activity which Brown has done for years, and would strongly recommend, is pairing her workouts with a 30-minute journal session.

“Not only do I get to release my physical stress and tension, but putting my thoughts on paper frees my mind to focus on the now,” Brown shared.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com