At Matrix Fitness, the subject of mental health has always been important.  The conversations we have in the health and fitness industry should be so much more than just talking about the benefits of exercise for our physical health, but also our mental health

Let’s Talk about Mental Health…

We all have a duty to make sure our colleagues and associates are okay and we all need to understand how to have conversations about mental health.

We initially provided support in setting up the MH1 communities to give industry professionals a movement they could relate to, and a place they could go to in order to spark debate and discussion.

We’re also supporting MH1 with the MHQ – a Mental Health PARQ, because we firmly believe the mental health of fitness consumers is just as important as their physical health.

Our vision is for mental health to be spoken about as openly as physical health, but we need the backing of the whole industry to do that.

The Evidence…

Evidence suggests that 12.7% of sickness absence days in the UK are attributed to mental health, but how many people have openly admitted they need a day off because of their mental health instead of calling in sick with a migraine or stomach bug?

We want to end the stigma and unnecessary embarrassment around mental health, but in order to do that we need to speak about it and normalise it, which is why we’ve created MH1.

The MH1 movement was created by industry leader, Graeme Hinde when he saw a gap for a support network that could help everyone, from self-employed coaches to senior executives.

Graeme said: “Everything we do in terms of physical fitness starts and ends in our minds. The impact of exercise on mental health is used regularly as a bullet point of positives, but it’s much bigger than that. Thanks to the incredible support from Matrix Fitness, we can ensure that this is a lasting initiative, not just a one-off campaign.”

At Matrix we have been part of the MH1 journey from day one, and as a company we’re doing everything we can to help the industry embrace the platform.

On the decision to fund the project, Matthew Pengelly, Managing Director of Matrix Fitness UK adds: “We’re doing what we can right now, in partnership with Graeme, to offer mental health training, support and advice to frontline staff and those that need it most.

“Ultimately the plan is for the industry to have a resource that informs and educates, thus raising the standards in the important area of mental health and wellbeing. Everyone who has been a part of the MH1 journey is keen to see the whole industry embrace the platform, links and resources in a collaborative way. We are all in this together, and together we are stronger.”

*To join the movement click here