5 Ways To Embrace Fitness And Move Towards A Healthy Body And Mind

Being fit means different things to different people. It’s difficult to measure because for some it’s the ability to run a marathon and for others it’s taking part in regular exercise classes or being able to go for a daily walk. But whatever your fitness level, it’s about being in good health and being physically active - one of the evidence based cornerstones of wellbeing.

Exercise, in whatever form it takes for you, is one of the best ways to boost your mood, increase your energy levels and enhance your overall wellbeing. It’s something that Maddy Diligent, founder of Get Fit Guernsey is passionate about. She shares her thoughts on achieving 5 ways to wellbeing through a fitness lens, with practical tips on how you can work towards a healthy body and mind.

1. Connect - Build Relationships Through Fitness.

Strong social connections are vital for mental and emotional health. By making your fitness routine more social and connecting with other people while you exercise, you’ll find greater enjoyment and consistency in staying active.

Here’s how:

Join a fitness class, running group, or sports club to meet like-minded people.
Exercise with friends or family for motivation and accountability.
Engage with online fitness communities to share progress and gain support.

2. Be Active - Move Your Body Every Day.

Regular physical activity is a proven way to enhance both your mental and physical wellbeing. Staying active releases endorphins, reduces stress, and improves overall mood and resilience. But it has to be consistent, and there are simple ways to make sure you move your body every day.

Here’s how:

Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s cycling, yoga, dancing, or weightlifting.
Incorporate movement into your daily life, such as walking instead of driving or taking the stairs. Think Active Travel where possible.
Ideally, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.

3. Take Notice - Be Mindful In Your Movement.

Mindfulness and awareness help improve mental clarity and reduce stress. By being present in the moment, you can improve focus, prevent injuries, and enjoy exercise more fully. You can apply mindfulness to your workouts.

Here’s how:

Focus on how your body feels during exercise - your breath, muscle engagement and movement.
Take your workout outdoors to appreciate nature, fresh air, and changing scenery.
Incorporate Body Weight workouts into your weekly workouts.

4. Keep Learning - Challenge Your Body And Mind.

Continued learning keeps the mind sharp and motivated. In fitness, this could mean learning something new. It keeps workouts exciting and fuels long-term fitness progress.

Here’s how:

Try a new sport or workout style, such as Pilates, martial arts or rock climbing.
Set personal goals, like increasing strength, improving endurance or mastering a new skill.
Educate yourself on nutrition, recovery techniques and training methods.

5. Give - Support Others in Their Fitness Journey.

Giving isn’t just about donating money, it’s also about supporting others. Helping others achieve their fitness goals can boost your own motivation and sense of purpose. There are many ways you can show others your support.

Here’s how:

Encourage friends or family to join you in exercise and healthy habits.
Volunteer at a local running event, sports club or fitness charity.
Share your knowledge and experiences to inspire others.

Fitness is about so much more than just looking good. It’s about feeling great inside and out. By integrating these five ways to wellbeing into your fitness routine, you’ll create a more balanced, fulfilling and enjoyable approach to health.

So get moving, stay connected, and embrace a lifestyle that benefits both your body and your mind.

Meet Maddy...

Maddy is the founder of Get Fit Guernsey and she has been taking group fitness classes for 15 years. Having worked with mental health and health improvement organisations locally, she is passionate about encouraging people to prioritise their wellbeing and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her fitness classes. She enjoys meeting new people and welcoming them into the Get Fit Guernsey community.

Get Fit Guernsey runs classes every Tuesday & Thursday from 5.45-6.30pm at Beechwood School. Everyone is welcome.

Quote THE LIST when you contact Maddy and your first session will be FREE