South Tyneside fitness company ‘blown away’ by response after running a mental health matters week during lockdown

South Tyneside based exercise company Involve Fitness have been “blown away” at the response they have received after running an online mental health awareness campaign.

Throughout the week, instructors have been hosting online workout sessions and posting their own personal stories about their experiences of battling with mental health.

Lynsey Baxter is one of the instructors, she has told the Gazette about the response to the campaign.

“We’ve had so many people tuning into our live sessions throughout the week, we have been blown away by it.

“All the instructors have told stories of their own mental health journeys to show people they are not alone.”

It is hoped that the power of exercise will help those who are struggling improve their own mental health.

One viewer commented: “For me, fitness is an escapism. Whether it’s at the gym or out for a run, that bit of exercise is my time. It gives me a chance to escape, think and reflect.”

Following the response, the group are looking for ways to incorporate mental health issues into sessions once lockdown is lifted.

Lynsey added: “We are looking at how we can use the mental health aspect to improve people’s lives once we reopen.

“I want to thank everyone for the feedback throughout the week, if we have helped just one person, it’s job done.”

The fitness sessions and the coaches stories can be viewed here.

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