Fit & Focused is our gym based, physical health intervention and it was built because we believe that mental health needs physical support.
For the most part, people know that it is important to be physically active, and what the physical and mental health benefits are, but there are many complicated factors that prevent them from getting started. For a large majority of people, it isn’t as simple as just going to the gym and becoming more active and it’s often the case that the messaging from the fitness industry tends to ignore this.
We wanted to create something that removed the barriers that typically prevent people from becoming physically active and taking control of their physical health. The first step towards this was to identify these barriers. Essentially, we set out to ask the question “If people know that exercise will improve their quality of life, but still don’t take part in exercise, what is getting in the way?”
To find the answers, we created a survey that was distributed both in person and online. Over several weeks we held open discussions at all of our weekly community groups, posted call outs on social media and asked questions in the communities that we serve.
When we collated all of this data, we were able to begin to design a gym based, exercise programme that would meet the needs of the people that we surveyed and create something bespoke, fit for purpose and truly impactful.
Overwhelmingly, the number one barrier that we identified was anxiety related. More specifically, anxiety around not knowing what to do in a gym, fear of embarrassment, worries around getting hurt and social anxieties related to common misconceptions about gyms and gym culture in general.
Second to this was affordability, having no one to go with and accessibility/location i.e. not having a gym close by. We then set out to create an exercise programme that would strategically address these barriers and support people in becoming more active.
And so, Fit & Focused was born! This programme is designed to offer education around the basic principles of exercise, and the use of gym equipment, and to do so in a way that is inclusive and supportive.
If you’re interested in taking part then every aspect of your journey is taken in to account. From signing up, attending on the first day and setting foot in a gym for the first time through to exercising in public and using different equipment. We stay behind after the session for a coffee and a catch up in the gym coffee shop, which adds a lovely community element to the programme, and we have a WhatsApp group where you can ask questions, check in, and stay in touch if you like.
So far, these sessions have proved hugely popular and it has been nothing short of inspirational to see these people overcome fears, anxieties and challenges to go from undertaking no exercise to becoming confident regulars in the gym. For the health benefits alone, this has been life changing and is even more impactful when we start to explore the change in confidence and self-esteem, and the community that has been built along the way.
Every Monday, between 10-11, we meet at Jeffrey Humble, Long Ln, Aintree, Liverpool L9 6AG. Then stay for a brew and a chat afterwards in the coffee shop between 11 – 12 (this is covered by us too).
This is our only public session that you have to book and we keep numbers limited so please get in touch if you would like to get involved or ask any questions!
