The impact of training on mental health

When I started working as a personal trainer, I just thought I would help people become stronger and fitter physically. In theory, I know that training helps mental health too, but until my clients have told me this, I did not really consider it when I started this business.

Exercise helps release endorphins, which is a feel good hormone, as well as helping us sleep better and giving our brains a boost. I often have clients come in with low motivation and leave saying that they are glad they came and feel a lot better.

So, rather than reading my thoughts on the subject, I asked three of my clients to explain how training has helped them with their mental health. I feel very privileged to work with them all and appreciative that they are all happy to speak on this subject. Unfortunately, it can be a bit of a taboo subject, so I am happy they were okay with opening up.

Below you can read their stories.

I have worked with Sophie for a few years now. Last year, I went with her to a sports event where she competed in powerlifting. Sophie is lovely to train with, she is very caring and we have a really fun time in the gym. She is in her 30s.
She always describes her workouts as “time for herself”, so I asked her to elaborate further:

“Training with a personal trainer once a week has significantly improved my mental health in ways far beyond just gaining physical strength and fitness. This dedicated (routine) time slot serves as a sanctuary, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is a time where I can disconnect from the world and focus solely on myself, my body, and my well-being. The physical benefits of the workouts are an undeniable bonus, but the true value lies in the mental rejuvenation that these sessions also offer. They provide an opportunity to concentrate on personal growth and self-care, which in turn, reduces my stress levels and improves my overall mood and outlook.

Moreover, the relationship I’ve built with Lorna and our personal interaction has an almost therapeutic effect. Our conversations during my workouts also serve as a safe space to discuss my concerns, challenges, and triumphs, all while working towards my fitness goals. These informal ‘chit-chats’ have been vital in helping me navigate through various personal issues, making my training sessions a unique blend of physical exercise and informal therapy. This dual approach has helped me to develop a more holistic perspective on health, realizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. Therefore, training with Lorna has become a key component of my mental health care routine, offering benefits that extend far beyond the gym.”

I also have worked with Daniel, in his early 50s for a few years. Unfortunately, he had to take a break during COVID lockdowns (which he explains himself below), but I am happy that he was able to restart a couple of years ago.
Despite suffering from depression, he is very warm hearted and I really enjoy working with him. Here is is what he told me:

“I started struggling with depression when I was about 35 years ago when I was 15. I had no idea what I had, and why I was struggling. The internet was in its infancy, and no one talked openly about these issues. I had to deal and learn how to cope by myself. And one thing I did notice is that walking made me feel better. It was my first insight that physical activity could improve mental health (even if I had no idea what “mental health” was).
With time I got better at managing my depression. I learned to meditate, journaling and, more importantly, started to run. Running was a game changer. It made me feel great. No, that isn’t the word. It made me feel… normal. Which was great. That’s when I first met Lorna. I hired her as my running coach. She taught me a lot about running and helped me achieve some goals.

But then 2020 came. The first hit was my business. I ran a tourism blog with quite some traffic, and I was able to make a living off it, with good recognition. I was even able to hire help with it. I spent 13 years building this business and it was gone in a 45 minutes press conference closing all travel. With it half of our house income. Then a chronic disease that I have in my eyes flared up, and I had to do multiple complicated surgeries. The pandemic didn’t help with that either (the vision loss I experienced during this time is irreversible). At least I had running to help me cope. And then my feet started to hurt. I developed a repetitive use injury that I couldn’t properly treat for over a year, because I was dealing with the vision problems. The injury became chronic and for some time, my foot couldn’t even touch the ground due to the pain. I was immobile. My life long enemy, depression, came down hard. And I mean hard. I didn’t want to leave my bed.

With the encouragement of my wife, I remembered how exercise helped me. And I thought that if I couldn’t run (or even properly walk), there could be something else I could do. That’s when I decided to call Lorna again. I had stopped working with Lorna in 2020, but we never lost contact. I presented the problems to her, and I was fully aware I was asking for a lot. She didn’t even flinch. We started weekly sessions, and with that, my road to recovery. Even though I couldn’t run, Lorna helped me improve my strength and mobility. But more than that, she was always supportive, listening, cheering, or being tough, as needed. I couldn’t have done without her.

And yes, strengthening my body did help my mind. I resumed working and started rebuilding my business. I started talking to people — for a while, any social contact beyond my family was unthinkable. I still struggle sometimes, but I know that if I keep moving, things will be alright. And I know I can count on Lorna to help me keep moving.”

My third client recently commented on how training has helped with her mental health, so I also asked her to share some details. Jacqueline, who I know as Jake, is one of my best mates and impressively, despite the fact she has had some challenges over the last years, has always found some space for exercise. I really love that she has chosen me to train with.
Currently, she joins the Wednesday morning Strength and movement class. Here is what she has to say on the subject:

“I first started with Lorna after my first pregnancy, so I have been training on and off but mostly on over the past 14 years.  I’ve varied between exercising with the outside classes once to twice a week to move into up to 3 times a week during Covid times. To back down to combining this alongside swimming and yoga.

Over the past 14 years, I’ve gone through various stages of my life and have found the classes as an important part to my physical and mental health during postpartum, burnout and recovery after a hysterectomy.

I have attended a mixture of classes outside and online which have both suited my needs at the time.  I especially find the outside training the most valuable as not only do we train in all weathers, but we have a great social group of like-minded women.  I feel that my endorphins get a huge boost after a session in the Vondelpark come rain, shine or even snow!  I feel that, each week, I gain not only strength in my body, but also my mind as there is a connection with the outside and with the group session. A win-win all round session!”

Thanks to these three clients for sharing their stories.

Although I realise that exercise is not the cure all for mental health it is definitely a great tool to help. If you want to find out if training can help your mood, why not try a free try out at one of my classes  or come to meet me at the gym to discuss personal training.