A Yorkshire personal trainer shares his top mood-boosting fitness tips after working with a growing number of ‘lonely’ clients, following the pandemic.
For many people the gym can feel too impersonal and overwhelming, “but don’t let that put you off exercise,” said Mike Green of Green Health, based in Harrogate.
Mike who trains clients in his private personal training studio and online, said that a growing number of people are coming to him to improve their mental health.
“A lot of people have been struggling since the pandemic, as a personal trainer you’re used to being someone’s life and body coach, so it’s been good to see a rise of people seek out my services to help them feel better through movement and having me there is a soundboard,” said Mike.
Sports England reported that more people than ever are exercising to help their mental health, as our knowledge has improved.
But as 44 per cent of us now prefer to exercise from home (50 per cent said it’s more value for money), Mike offers sessions online and in studio or a hybrid approach.
“No one size fits all when it comes to mental health care and our exercise routine.”
He said that regardless online or offline people come for a chat and to transform mind and body.
Mike has seen a rise in people seeking personal training sessions as a result of the Pandemic with people being isolate and unable to go out.
“People have neglected their health inside and out due to the situation, but it’s the best feeling when a client trains with me and regains that confidence.
“I am there to chat in person or over the phone with online clients but some people just want to be quiet which is fine because I am still there in person or via text.”
For this reason Mike offers online personal training to people across the work who prefer a more ‘hands off approach’ and just want the programmes and accountability via text.
Or people local to Harrogate can train with Mike in his studio or have a hybrid approach of both services.
Harrogate has been dubbed the “destination that will make you feel better” due to its spa history and healing waters, by Destination Harrogate.
This is something Mike hopes to help people with through his personal training services delivered from his studio in Hornbeam Park.
Here’s Mike’s top mood boosting exercises:
When you exercise your body and brain produces hormones and neurotransmitters that have a positive impact on your mood, memory and energy levels and a greater sense of wellbeing.
- People who do some form of daily movement have better mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- My go to exercise to boost my mood are resistance training especially body weight workouts outdoors, walking and Padel tennis. It’s important to find a physical activity you enjoy.
- Lifting weights aka resistance training has been proven to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression, according to research in 2018: ‘Interestingly, larger improvements were found among adults with depressive symptoms indicative of mild-to-moderate depression compared to adults without such scores,’ wrote the researchers at the University of Limerick. ‘This suggests resistance training may be particularly effective for those with greater depressive symptoms.’
- Try breathing exercises to reduce stress, improving posture and mindfulness.
- Working out regularly can help you to feel good most days as well as accomplished
- ‘Physical activity has a huge potential to enhance our wellbeing. Even a short burst of 10 minutes’ brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood. Participation in regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety.’ (Mentalhealth.org.uk)
For more information, go to: https://www.getleanonline.