Over and above heavy things... I have always been more interested in the psychology of exercise, what makes a good athlete great, and why some clients cancel their PT session when others arrive before their trainer to complete their own warm-up.
Even with a Bachelor Of Applied Science in Human Movement behind me and years as a mentor for many Personal Trainers around Australia, the behavioural and psychological aspects of exercise for wellness and performance intrigues me most.
When you combine physical exercise with the environment, you get a magical little concoction producing even greater mental health benefits.
Physical: Increased sweating and breathing will reduce toxins, allowing your immune system to focus on fighting any other bugs, viruses or pathogens.
Environment: Running or walking outside, in the fresh air is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health. Feel the mental clarity from the vast space around you or if you're into feeding off the energy from the hills, trees and mother nature, you can embrace that too. Simple things like absorbing Vitamin D from the Sun can have a profound positive impact too.
You'll also learn how to overcome adversity and hardship. Having a 3-6 month training program to follow requires focus, dedication, commitment and discipline. Sometimes you won't feel like training. Sometimes you'd rather hit the town and socialise with friends instead of staying fresh for tomorrow's training session. That's ok. Take it as it comes. Just keep the big picture in mind because nothing beats the finish line feeling after a 3-6 month training block.
Psychological Benefits: Once you've returned from your outdoor activity, you'll feel the sense of accomplishment from that specific session. Over a consistent training period, you'll feel the sense of achievement which comes from dedication and commitment and belief in yourself. If you've entered the City2City crossing the finish line will provide the opportunity for you to understand this amazing feeling.
As you can see, these elements above reflect the optimistic side of mental health. Mental health is a very complex thing however it's known that exercise does reduce anxiety and depression, relieve stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better and boosts both short and long term happiness hormones.
At Anytime Fitness in Albury and Wodonga, we have dedicated our career to working with this community in Albury-Wodonga to make HEALTHY HAPPEN. Yes, we manage gyms, however our gyms are built to get people moving, and feel something better.
So that's our aim, to put bodies in motion, for healthy minds and happy hearts.
As a junior, he participated in many local fun-runs as a member of the Wodonga Athletic Club, and studied a Bachelor Of Applied Science in Human Movement. He later went on to win two consecutive World Championships in Triathlon over the sprint distance in 2009 & 2010.
If you have any questions about getting ready for the Hume Bank City2City, please send Jai and his team of fitness coaches a message on Instagram: www.instagram.com/unlimitedfitness.com.au
Good luck to everyone participating in the Anytime Fitness 10km event. We will see you at the finish line for some well deserved recovery and replenishments.
