October 9, 2024

World Mental Health Day: Supporting Mental Health Through Physical Activity

World Mental Health Day on 10th October is an important reminder of how crucial it is to look after our wellbeing. This year’s theme is workplace mental health, focusing on taking care of both our minds and bodies. At Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, we know how powerful physical activity can be – not just for keeping fit, but also for improving our mental health. One of our gym instructors, Stuart, knows this better than most. Here’s Stuart’s story explaining how fitness has made a big difference in his life.

Stuart’s Story

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.” – Simon Sinek

“Hi, I’m Stuart! I’m from Burntisland in Fife, and I work as a Gym Instructor at Carnegie Leisure Centre. I’ve always been interested in mental health, especially since I studied psychology at university. I’ve also had my own experiences with anxiety, and that’s why I know just how important exercise can be for mental wellbeing. Fitness has made a big difference to me, and now I get to help others feel better, get stronger, and build their confidence too.

I’ve been teaching for a few years now, starting with Junior Gym classes and more recently leading circuit sessions. For me, it’s not just about helping people get fit – it’s about helping them feel good about themselves. It’s really rewarding to see someone start off unsure and then leave a session feeling like they’ve achieved something.

I understand what it’s like to feel intimidated by the gym. When I was younger, I found the gym quite overwhelming – kind of funny now, given that I practically live in one! But over time, I realised that the gym is one of the best places for boosting your mood and self-esteem. It didn’t take long before my confidence began to grow, and it was all thanks to fitness.

I want to give back the same support that helped me when I started. Most of the people I’ve met in the fitness community are really encouraging, always happy to share tips or cheer others on. That kind of positivity made a huge difference to me, and it’s something I try to create in every class I lead. I aim to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome, no matter their level of confidence or fitness.

I keep my classes fun, engaging, and challenging – because you’ve got to push yourself a little to make progress! I always offer different options for each exercise so everyone can join in, no matter their fitness level. What’s important isn’t where you start, it’s the effort you put in, and I’m here to help everyone figure out what works best for them.

I’ve seen how exercise can really change lives, both for me and for the people in my classes. One of my favourite moments was helping a woman who was absolutely terrified of gyms. We worked together one-on-one, and as she gained confidence, she found her own routine. I’ll never forget when she called to thank me – it felt great to know I’d made a difference.

If you’re new to exercise and feeling nervous, my advice is to just give it a go. We all start somewhere, and it’s all about finding your own pace. I’m here to make it a fun, supportive experience, and to help you discover just how strong you can be.

Come and join me at Carnegie Leisure Centre. Whether you’re into the gym or fitness classes there’s something for everyone. I promise it’ll be a fun, active, and welcoming environment where you can be yourself. Let’s work together to build stronger bodies and stronger minds.”

 

Book a Welcome Session with Stuart at Carnegie Leisure Centre
Stuart is a gym instructor at Carnegie Leisure Centre. For more information about the venue, activities, or to book a welcome session, visit: Carnegie Leisure Centre – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)

Explore Our Membership Options
Our memberships are designed for all fitness levels and goals. Find the perfect fit for you and get access to all our fantastic facilities. Click here to learn more and get started today: Find Your Membership – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)

Share Your Story with Us
Do you have a story about your own fitness journey, wellness, or personal growth? We’d love to hear it! Click here to share your experience with us: Our Customer Highlights – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)

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