FLYEfit highlights mental health benefits of staying active this World Mental Health Day
This Saturday 10th October, marks World Mental Health Day, and FLYEfit, Ireland’s premier gym chain, is highlighting the important role regular physical activity can play in supporting mental wellbeing, with the benefits of exercise extending far beyond physical fitness.
The mental health benefits of exercise have increasingly become part of the wider conversation around wellbeing, with high-profile figures including Ryan Reynolds and Lady Gaga speaking publicly about the role fitness plays in supporting their mental wellbeing. Irish musician and mental health advocate Niall Breslin has also highlighted the connection between physical fitness, mental health and emotional wellbeing, exploring it through his documentary Ironmind, which followed four people with mental health concerns as they trained for a 70.3 Ironman triathlon.
While exercise is often associated with physical goals such as building strength, losing weight or improving fitness, its benefits can extend well beyond what is visible physically. A workout can provide a break from work and screens, create structure during a busy week or simply offer a dedicated period of time to focus on something positive.
The HSE recognises that physical activity can help improve mood, reduce stress, support sleep and relaxation and boost energy levels, while also providing opportunities to connect with others. It also notes that physical activity can be particularly beneficial for people experiencing low mood and mild to moderate depression.
For FLYEfit, the mental benefits of exercise are an important part of the overall role fitness can play in everyday wellbeing. From providing an outlet during stressful periods to creating a sense of achievement and encouraging social connection, regular movement can become an important part of a balanced routine.
According to FLYEfit personal trainer Isaure Thouvenot, regular exercise can support mental wellbeing in a number of ways, from helping to manage stress and create structure to providing opportunities for social connection and a sense of achievement.
Isaure highlights five ways to use regular exercise as a way of supporting mental wellbeing.
Use exercise as a way to manage stress
Physical activity can provide a healthy outlet during periods of stress, helping to create some distance from work, screens and everyday responsibilities. Even a short workout, walk or fitness class can provide an opportunity to step away from daily pressures and focus attention elsewhere.
Build movement into the weekly routine
Having regular movement built into the week can provide structure, particularly during periods when other routines may feel unsettled. Setting aside time for exercise can create something consistent to work towards, while getting up and moving during long periods of desk-based work can also provide a useful change of pace.
Choose exercise that helps switch off
Different forms of exercise can offer different benefits, so finding an activity that allows the mind to switch off can be particularly valuable. A group class can provide social interaction and a change of environment, while running, walking or strength training can offer time away from phones and other distractions. The focus does not always need to be on performance, with exercise also providing an opportunity to be present in the moment.
Build a sense of achievement
Working towards small fitness goals can provide a sense of progress and accomplishment outside of work and other everyday responsibilities. Whether it is completing an extra repetition, improving a running time or completing a challenging workout, recognising these milestones can help build confidence and provide a tangible sense of progress over time.
Make the most of the social side of fitness
Exercise does not have to be a solo activity. Classes, group training and regularly seeing familiar faces at the gym can all provide opportunities for social interaction and connection. For those who work remotely or spend much of their working week alone, having a regular activity that involves other people can become a valuable part of the week.
Isaure added "Regular exercise can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing in ways that go beyond the workout itself. It can provide a much-needed break from the pressures of the day, help create structure and give people something positive to work towards. For many people, it can also provide an opportunity to connect with others or simply spend some time away from screens and everyday distractions."
As World Mental Health Day approaches, FLYEfit is encouraging people to consider the different ways physical activity can be incorporated into everyday life to support mental wellbeing, whether through structured workouts, fitness classes, walking, running or simply making more time for movement throughout the week.
For more information, visit www.flyefit.ie.
Slán go fóill.
