It's about time we talk...

...about mental health!

In January this year I dedicated a whole day to talk about mental health at David Lloyd Norwich for Time to Talk day 2018. People were invited to just sit and talk about whatever they wanted - whether related to mental health or not. I set up a safe, cosy space in the club lounge with books, activities and snacks. I had a few takers for a chat - not as many as I hoped - but I achieved what I wanted from the day: awareness. People may have not been comfortable to come and chill with me before working out, but plenty of people asked me why I was there, read my poster or at least noticed a book or 2 I had displayed. If this leads to even a slightly more aware population... MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

So, what led me to be so vocal about mental health in the gym? Getting fit and exercising is the only thing that has made my own mental illness better, and making the gym a friendlier and inviting place for others is important to me. Being someone who refused to go to P.E and instead found sitting alone in a cold changing room far easier than 'exercise', I would never have got to where I am without a warm welcome into gym life. I have a girl called Sarah to thank for this. We met when I decided to get my nails done in the same complex after joining the gym at the end of yet another very low time in my life. She asked me how I was finding the gym & I replied that I hadn't found it at all as I was too terrified to go any further than the nail bar - but my nails looked fabulous.

The next day she was showing me the ropes... dumbbells... kettlebells... and thus my life was changed forever.

I wanted to be someone else's "Sarah". In fact I wanted to be A LOT of peoples "Sarah". That is why I became a Personal Trainer and love working/dancing/laughing on the gym floor.

My journey as a PT at David Lloyd, Norwich has only just begun and I hope to do a lot more to raise awareness for mental health and fitness in the future. Let's work-out together to end the stigma!

ALWAYS BE A SARAH!

Check out Sarah's amazing business - https://www.facebook.com/beautyandmassagewilson/

Time to change - https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/about-us

Stay strong,

Lizi

Punk PT