VANCOUVER -- May is mental health awareness month.
The team at Fitness World has partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Fraser, with the aim of helping British Columbians understand the connection between mental health and fitness.
Robbert Visscher, interim CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Fraser, emphasized that many people are struggling with their mental wellbeing.
Visscher shared some alarming statistics. One-in-five Canadians will experience a mental health crisis or be diagnosed with a mental illness. By age 40, that ratio increases to every one-in-two Canadians.
Loneliness and a lack of physical activity have established links with mental health such as increased anxiety and depression.
Regular exercise can help ease depression and anxiety. It boosts mood, reduces stress and helps with better-quality sleep, along with many other benefits.
CEO Chris Smith shared his passion for using exercise as medicine.
On May 19, Fitness World will be hosting a by-donation virtual workout called Better Bodies, Better Minds.
Proceeds will go to the Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Fraser.
People can register by visiting the Fitness World Instagram page, where the link to the Eventbrite page is available.
Plus, participants will have the chance to win a one-year membership to Fitness World, along with other goodies.
Those who register will also get a one-week pass to Fitness World, as their gyms are open and operating with all COVID-19 safety protocols in place.
During the segments on CTV Morning Live, Fitness World class director Ingrid Knight-Cohee shared some low-impact exercises to soothe the mind.
Check out the full videos above from the morning to take part.
