National Fitness Day - keeping healthy for life
National Fitness Day (Wednesday 20 September) highlights how physical activity helps us keep healthy for life.
Freya Richards, an assistant psychologist with our perinatal mental health team, is training for next year’s TCS London Marathon. She has never run a marathon before and has endometriosis, a debilitating gynaecological condition that causes her to suffer chronic pain and fatigue.
She explains how exercise has helped with physical and mental wellbeing, and shares her top tips for getting started and staying motivated.
- What physical activities do you take part in and how often?
I take part in walking, yoga, strength training and running. I stretch or do yoga about five times a week (for pain relief and to calm me). I am currently running three to four times a week and strength training twice a week. Yoga stays the same even when I'm on my period. I don't strength train on my period and I run less or not at all. This seems like a lot but it's not always consistent and I have to really listen to my body!
- How do they benefit your physical and mental wellbeing?
For me I'm in a chapter of my life where I am starting a challenge from a fitness perspective, which is the first time I have ever done it.
Physically, I feel stronger, particularly my legs and arms.
It has also made me more resilient to flare ups.
I also find my tolerance to longer activities is better, so I don't feel as tired when walking for a longer time compared to before I started working out.
Mentally, it is amazing for me. I feel happier because I've chosen activities I enjoy. When I flare up and I can do yoga, it helps remind me my body is resilient and sometimes need a bit of love and some stretching!
It helps me appreciate my body regardless of what it looks like etc. It also reduces my anxiety and helps me get out the house and socialise.
- What are your tips for people who either want to do more fitness or to get involved in the specific activities you take part in?
If you want to get involved in fitness you need to find what motivates you!
Is it because you enjoy the activity, you want to be stronger, you want to increase your socialising, you want to get better at things, or you want to improve your mental wellbeing?
Everyone's why is different and finding your authenticity with it will help motivate you when you really don't want to train.
I'd also say, don't put pressure on yourself! If you don't want to run today, that's fine, swap it for a walk etc.
If you want to start running, I highly recommend using the NHS Couch to 5k programme. This really helped me.
Zisan Abedin, one of our employee experience managers, shares how sport and mindfulness support his wellbeing.
I do many things to be fit mentally and physically. Physically, I love cricket. I play professionally and coach youth and adult players. I stay active and learn discipline, teamwork, and community through this sport.
Another essential part of my practice is mindfulness. Meditation and reflection help me focus and manage stress. You should prioritise mental health as much as physical fitness.
Start your fitness quest by finding something you love, like a sport, yoga, or walking. Start slowly and increase your activities. Have a supportive community and invest in your mental health.
Consistency is crucial. Sometimes motivation wanes, but the commitment to your health keeps you going. So start your journey to a healthier, happier you, and never underestimate the power of a balanced mind and body.
Here's to your journey to wellness!