The Critical Role Of Fitness In Mental Well-Being

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity”.

At Rage Fitness Company, we couldn’t agree more – John F Kennedy was a very wise man!

We must change the way we view physical activity in the UK in order not to see it as something we ‘have to do’, ‘should do’ or ‘ought to do’ for our health, but as something that we do because we personally value its positive benefits to our wellbeing.

One of the great things about physical activity is that there are endless possibilities and there’s an activity to suit everyone!

It is recommended that the average adult should do between 75 and 150 minutes of exercise a week. This can be either moderate intensity exercise, such as walking, hiking or riding a bike, or it can be more vigorous activities, such as running, swimming fast, aerobics or skipping with a rope. Any activity that raises your heart rate, makes you breathe faster, and makes you feel warmer counts towards your exercise!

When we talk about wellbeing, we don’t mean being happy “all the time”. Experiencing negative or painful emotions, such as grief, loss, or failure are a part of normal life. However, whatever your age, being physically active can help you to lead a mentally healthier life and can improve your wellbeing.

What is “wellbeing”?

• The sense of feeling good about ourselves and being able to function well individually or in relationships
• The ability to deal with the ups and downs of life, such as coping with challenges and making the most of opportunities
• The feeling of connection to our community and surroundings
• Having control and freedom over our lives
• Having a sense of purpose and feeling valued

So is there really an impact on wellbeing from undertaking Physical Activity?

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 is proven to increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety. It also plays a role in preventing the development of mental health problems and in improving the quality of life of people experiencing mental health problems.

So where does Rage Fitness Company fit in?

Unlike other fitness companies who promote short term programmes for short term gains, we understand that to make a real difference to an individual’s mental health and general wellbeing, long term life-style changes may well be required.

We are proud to use such terms every day as;

• Self-Belief
• Determination
• Purpose
• Personal Ownership

Of course, we are happy to guide and support those who wish to make a change. The reality is that without signing up to that 2-way “will to succeed” contract we will both likely fail.

Yes, lifestyle changes can be daunting – fear of failure too. We need to push ourselves as a society. As I always quote to those who wish to listen. “A big challenge starts with a small step”.

We’ve quoted myself & JFK – Let me complete the trio if I may with Albert Einstein…

“A ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships were built for”.

Let’s clear our minds of can’t, challenge ourselves and commit to a healthier future.

Craig Brown – CEO, Rage Fitness Company.