Pool & Sports Hall Closures:

Our Sports Hall is temporarily closed 'til 21st December to install a brand-new floor and our Main Pool & Diving Pool are closed 25th November to 13th December for improvement works. We apologise for any inconvenience these closures may cause.

Exercise and mental health: how we can help you feel great again!

Apr 28, 2021 | Blog

Whether you’re a regular gym fanatic who has been desperate to run through our doors again, someone whos nervous about returning, or someone who has never exercised before - We want everyone to find out how good exercise can make you feel.  

The link between exercise and mental wellbeing has been shouted many times, but with the world starting to feel ‘normal’ again, there has never been a better time to get active. 

What is mental wellbeing?  

It’s so many things but to try to summarise a littlethe Mental Health Foundation couldn’t explain it better. 

  • 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 

But how can exercise benefit my mind? 

It’s simple really, getting active has incredible powers over our busy heads. 

  • It can lift our mood  
  • Reduce our stress  
  • Reduce feelings of anxiety 
  • Increase our self-esteem 
  • Reduce the likelihood of dementia 
  • Lowers the risk of depression 

So, what’s stopping you? 

Smash those barriers – if it’s cost, find another alternative; if it’s body-image, perhaps a ladies-only class; if it’s stepping foot in a gym, perhaps ask a friend to go with you. Check out our other blogs for more tips and advice. 

Remember, fitness is a journey, not just a destination – you may find different paths (or hurdles) along the way, but that’s OK! Speak to a member of our team who will be more than happy to give you regular programme updates to tailor your exercises to your goals and the exercises you love. 

Exercise won’t always stop you feeling sad or emotional, but the feel-good hormones released when exercising, have been proven to support your mental wellbeing, and in the long run any type of exercise will always be beneficial to you – both physically and mentally.