Nearly half the population will experience mental health issues in their lifetime[1] With movement a proven way of improving mental health[2], this Mental Health Week (10-16 October), all 64 Fitness First clubs across Australia will open their doors to the public to promote mental health, support beyondblue, and encourage people to get moving.
Coined, ‘Moodment Week’ (10-16 October) – Fitness First will invite the community to take part in fun-filled fitness activities, for just a $5 donation to help raise funds for beyondblue, and encourage people to move to improve their mood.
With nearly three million Australians experiencing depression and/or anxiety in any one year[3] Fitness First has decided to open its doors to help create a fit and healthy community and encourage more people on their journey — not just towards physical fitness, but to mental wellbeing.
Fitness First National Fitness Manager, Michael Cunico, said re-evaluating the role fitness can play in someone’s life is essential to helping more people navigate a path forward to better overall mental health and wellbeing.
“At Fitness First, we want to encourage more Australians to embrace fitness and its holistic benefits, not just to be physically fit, but also to feel mentally strong, and act as another resource for people dealing with mental health issues.”
For many Fitness First employees, raising awareness about the benefits of mental strength and supporting those suffering from mental health is a cause they feel very passionate about.
“40% of the 2,700-strong team at Fitness First chose beyondblue as the charity they would most like to support,” said Michael. “By supporting a cause and organisation we are so passionate about, we hope that through raising funds for beyondblue, we can engage and encourage Australians to embrace fitness and educate others in their community about the mental benefits of fitness.”
Anyone interested in participating in Moodment Week can visit their local Fitness First, or go online to download their seven day Moodment Week guest pass.
References
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 2007. Cat. no. (4326.0). Canberra: ABS.
2. American Society of Exercise Physiologists (2013). Exercise and Mental Health: An Exercise and Sports Science Australia Commisioned Review. 2013. Vol 16 (4).
3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2008). National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 2007. Cat. no. (4326.0). Canberra: ABS.