“When I work out first thing in the morning and have a great workout, my social anxiety for the rest of the day is just gone. Almost everything is gone: my body dysmorphia is gone, my OCD, my depression, my anxiety.”

“I know that when I get home and I stop being active, the gates are going to open and all my mental demons are going to be rushing back in. I just wish I could just keep running forever. Run away, really. But I’m running from myself.”

​- Russell L.
Reno, Nevada

From ‘Running From Myself’: Reno Mental Health Advocate Struggles With Pandemic-Related Disruptions

“I always wanted to be the best and to be on the podium as much as possible. But now, it’s completely different, and I exercise because it makes me feel great and gives me time to switch off mentally but tune in physically.”

​- Jessica E-H, 34

From Jessica Ennis-Hill’s Refreshing Attitude Towards Exercise Is The Lockdown Advice You Need To Read.

"​So far [with trampolining], I’ve noticed a huge reduction in stress post-exercise—and I’m actually enjoying the time spent doing these workouts.

What’s more, my afternoons are now more focused and productive with that excess energy burned off, and I’m actually falling asleep at a normal hour again."

Kaleigh M.

From This workout routine helped me shake off my quarantine anxiety.
​

"I wanted to get my body and my heart in shape, but I joined [Green Ridge Recreation Center in Roanoke County] partly for the mental part. I meet people who become my friends and it is social for me. We have lunch and sometimes travel together. I try to meet two or three people a day.”

- Bonnie P.
Roanoke, Virginia

Via Working Out the Workout

“I had back surgery a year ago and I need to make it stronger and make me feel better about it.”

- John

"I hate it but I have to exercise for my mind more than anything and I’m 36 and have four children I need the energy exercise gives...Exercise is key for the mind and body."

- Tanya B., 36
Cheshire, England

Via Mail Online

"It gives me discipline and a sense of work ethic...it keeps me physically fit...it builds my mental strength...it is a huge passion of mine..."

- TJBoss A.

"For as long as I can remember, sports have been the one true love of my life. But for the last 14 years, I’ve struggled with chronic knee pain that has kept me from playing hard on the field, and at times, from playing at all. Staying active (to whatever level I could) kept me sane on my worst days, and continues to keep me calm, focused, and steady as I work my way through graduate school. The routine of exercise, the push of physical exertion, and the social bonds of a team keep me mentally strong, allowing me to fight whatever physical pain may come my way."

- Carly W.
Athens, Georgia USA

Via UGA Exercise is Medicine Club

“Last year’s [Invictus] Games was the extra push that I needed to regain control over my illness [post-traumatic stress disorder] and my injury...Mountain biking was part of my journey.That’s how I got back into sports.”

- Natacha D.
Gatineau, Quebec Canada

​Via The Star

"I love that even though [barre] it’s a workout I am actually having fun doing it. Even when I think I don’t want to go I am smiling as soon as I walk through the doors. Everyone (plus the music!) is so upbeat and positive and the energy is awesome. I love that every class is different and challenges my strength in different ways. I walk away from each class knowing I’m stronger and have done something amazing for my mind and my body."

- Kelly
Edmonton, Alberta Canada

"I love the Barre community. The people that come here and the instructors are always so positive and it helps make me want to push myself to the best of my abilities. The variety of the different types of classes as well as the different instructors keeps me working hard. Plus having a great looking butt is a bonus!"

- Jon
Edmonton, Alberta Canada

Via Barre Body Studio