How Fitness Is Helping My Mental Health During Lockdown

Fitness has always been something I’ve both loved at times and hated. I’ve been on a bit of journey when it comes to getting fit in that I would start it and then stop it a few months or even weeks later. The longest I ever committed was when I lived in South-East London and we were still living with our housemate who was very much into his fitness. Fast-forward and we’re in this lockdown and this week I’m doing five workout sessions, two with my personal trainer and three led by a family member.

I want to firstly start off by saying that falling into a fitness routine takes time. I’ve often tried to commit to doing something every day but then failing to keep it up. This lockdown has definitely helped me to stay consistent and I’m hoping by the time we come out of it, that consistency is going to be embedded into a routine and therefore something I can’t easily get out of. Getting a personal trainer was certainly life-changing and if anyone struggles to maintain their fitness and going to the gym, I would certainly recommend it. It’s obviously not for everyone and the cost can be something to factor in but considering I don’t commute to London for work anymore, I can certainly justify the amount I pay each month. It’s also the motivation aspect of getting fit and actually doing the workout. I much prefer someone pushing me than having to depend on myself to get through a workout. 

This lockdown has not been easy. There has been a lot of challenges emotionally for me that I’m still trying to get through. It’s crazy just how much we’ve missed out on when it’s only been three months. There have been good days and there have been bad days. And as much as there are people who have it worse out there, that shouldn’t invalidate any of that pain or emotion you’re feeling. I have chosen fitness and work to throw myself into so that I can forget about what’s going on in the world and hopefully, it’ll speed up this time where we’re all locked down in our homes.

Fitness doesn’t help everyone’s mental health but it certainly makes me feel better. It can help me to push through that pain and anxious feeling that I have when I start thinking about the pandemic. It’s also a good way to get my body working so that I don’t fall into a routine where I’m feeling sluggish all day and night. That’s not going to help me to work or feel good in myself. 

I started off my fitness journey with the idea of getting slim for my wedding day. However, that reason has now changed and for me, doing a few fitness classes every week is a way of looking after my body and mind. I certainly believe that even when this lockdown is over and things are back to normal, I’ll still be going to the gym 4 or 5 times a week. Fitness has certainly become part of my routine and I’m certainly excited for it to continue.  

Do you exercise at home currently? Let me know if fitness helps your state of mind in the comments below.