Mental Health and Fitness: A Balanced Approach to Wellness
For men over 35, the pressures of work, family, and life can take their toll. As someone who has coached countless men, I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to focus on physical fitness while neglecting mental health. But in my experience, true wellness comes from balancing both. This is a story that highlights how important it is to keep both mental and physical well-being in harmony.
The Client Who Changed My Perspective
I remember working with a client named John. He was 42, a successful entrepreneur, and deeply invested in his physical health—or so it seemed. When we met for the first time at my gym in the Lake District, he told me he worked out five times a week. He was committed to losing weight and building strength. But as we got to know each other, something felt off.
Despite his intense physical regimen, John wasn’t seeing the results he wanted. He kept hitting a wall. He would go through periods of success followed by sudden slumps. One day, after a particularly frustrating session, John finally opened up. His mental health was suffering. The stress of running a business, combined with personal struggles, had drained his energy, impacted his sleep, and left him feeling mentally exhausted.
That’s when I realised we needed a more holistic approach.
The Importance of Mental Well-being in Fitness
Fitness is not just about the body—it’s about the mind too. In John’s case, I knew we had to address his stress and emotional well-being if we were going to break through the physical barriers he was facing.
We started incorporating mental health practices into his fitness plan. On top of strength training and cardio, John began practicing mindfulness techniques. I encouraged him to take short nature walks around the Lake District, not for the sake of burning calories, but to clear his mind and de-stress.
As he started to focus on his mental health, something remarkable happened. John’s energy levels improved, his sleep became more restful, and for the first time in years, he wasn’t just working out—he was enjoying it. His body responded in kind, and the weight he had struggled to lose began to come off more steadily.
How to Balance Mental Health and Fitness
John’s story is not unique. Men over 35 often neglect the mental side of wellness, thinking that all they need is a good workout plan to fix everything. But fitness and mental health are two sides of the same coin. Here’s how you can bring balance to your wellness journey:
Mindfulness and Meditation
Incorporating even 10 minutes of meditation or mindfulness practice daily can make a world of difference. It helps clear your mind, manage stress, and build mental resilience, which can carry over into your fitness routine.Take Breaks
Overworking your body without giving your mind time to rest can lead to burnout. Schedule “mental health” days just as you would recovery days for your muscles. Use this time to recharge through activities like reading, journaling, or spending time in nature.Stay Connected
Mental well-being thrives in community. Don’t be afraid to open up to a friend, family member, or coach about your struggles. Whether it’s venting about a bad day or seeking advice, human connection is vital.Use Fitness as a Stress Reliever, Not a Stressor
It’s easy to turn fitness into another pressure point—especially if you’re chasing aggressive goals. Shift your mindset so that working out becomes a form of release and relaxation rather than another item on your to-do list. This might mean swapping a HIIT session for a long, gentle walk on some days.
John’s story taught me that mental health is the foundation of any fitness journey. You can push your body to the limits, but without mental clarity and emotional well-being, your efforts might not yield the results you want. For men over 35, the key to lasting wellness is balancing the physical with the mental. Whether you’re local to the Lake District or considering a wellness retreat, remember that true health starts from within.
