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The positive impact physical activity can have on mental health is undeniable. It's also a hugely popular topic of conversation in a society where mental health awareness is at the forefront.
Instead of these mental health benefits being a byproduct of training for strength, cardio and flexibility... What if 'mental fitness' was at the core of what gyms and trainers were delivering?
Darren Sealy created the first gym that places mental fitness at the centre of everything they do.
At MINDSET, creating mental fitness involves building confidence and gaining the resilience to deal with challenges in daily life. For this gym, taking into consideration the factors that prevent an individual from reaching their full potential, is a step towards long term success.
We caught up with Darren to find out more about the business.
What is MINDSET, and why is it different?
"We are the product of the coming together of multiple highly experienced coaches. Each from different disciplines but united under the MINDSET ethos.
Our primary strengths are motivation and personal transformation with an expert understanding of everyone’s unique needs.
To us, no two members are the same, so why should their training be?
Through this, we understand where our members are on their fitness journey. We know exactly what is needed to take them to the next level. Focusing on strengthening those areas where the most progress can be made. Their total fitness is our mission at all times."
What inspired you to create this mental fitness focused facility?
"As an athlete in Basketball and Boxing, I have always been very interested in what it takes to reach a certain pinnacle in sports performance.
Combining that with my health & fitness industry experience and working with people on a 1:1 and group basis. I have found across all avenues that it is a person's mental health and fortitude that enables them to push past barriers. It's what allows them to become better versions of themselves and ultimately succeed at the highest level."
How much of your services focus on mental fitness and health?
"We use a variety of methods from positive reinforcement to motivational techniques. With the only aim to empower people and not belittle them in any way.
We get to know our members on a personal basis; know what makes them tick, their strengths and their weaknesses. All of this is taken into consideration when setting their goals. We are by their side at all times to help them succeed.
Also, we have found that meditation and visualisation are key aspects of mental health improvement in our services."
What do your clients say?
"The feedback over our first year was very rewarding. Reminding us on a daily basis why we do what we do.
Many have said that we are groundbreaking, confidence-building and help people to realise their full potential."
What does the future of MINDSET look like?
"The goal is to add new services for our users and to expand our sites to reach a wider audience. Our aim is to become an internationally recognised brand at the forefront of boutique fitness. Whilst keeping the MINDSET vision simple but effective.
We hope to inspire other operators to look beyond their people instead of just at them. That would provide them with the key to providing life-changing results internally and externally."
Looking at the big picture
As the fitness industry continues to grow and develop, we expect to see the importance of mental fitness grow exponentially. Mental fitness will become a permanent fixture as mental health discussions become less taboo. People will become aware of the importance of an active lifestyle.
On a smaller scale, helping your members reach their personal goals should be a key aspect of your retention strategy. Building an increased focus on mental fitness could make the difference between a member building healthy habits or falling back into old routines.
You can find out more about creating long term habits here. Or download this booklet to help optimise your member experience here.
