"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

“I work out personally because of the way it makes me feel and the release of serotonin. It’s important to take care of yourself physically, but also mentally as well."

- Demi L.

​Via US Magazine

"Without exercise, I feel as though I don't have an outlet to release the stress and anxiety. The spin classes were the most helpful because I felt like I was able to zone out and focus my energy just on pedaling one foot in front of the other. I was able to find clarity."

- Kimberly W., 25

Read more about Kimberly's struggles with mobility after two motor vehicle accidents.

“I think that most people think that I exercise everyday for the results. To try to have a six-pack, to try and gain muscle tone, to try to look ripped and look lean. But let me tell you something that that can’t be farther from the truth…with what we get thrown at us each and everyday with life, with what knocks us down with work, with what knocks us down with commuting to work, with what knocks us down with our kids, with what knocks us with all the activities are kids are in, with what else knocks us down with all the other stressors in life that in fact we are faced every single day and the time we live everything is constantly on the go…I exercise every single day so that I’m less stressed. I exercise every single day so I feel more confident. I exercise every single day so that I have more energy throughout the day and I’m not crashing in the middle of the morning or crashing in the middle of the afternoon or feel completely exhausted, strung out, and stressed out every single day. I exercise so I could be the best father and the best husband and the best version of myself by living a healthy, fulfilling life.”  

- Coach Dave
Westchester, NY