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UK Coaching Marketing and Communications Team
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Developing Mindsets Self-care and development

Helping Coaches Improve Their Mental Well-being through Exercise

Head Coach of Hallam Barbell Weightlifting Club and founder of MindfullySTRONG Dave Hembrough takes us through his six top tips for coaches looking to look after their own mental well-being

MindfullySTRONG is an integrated mindfulness and physical training programme which brings a novel approach to working out.

Hembrough encourages his participants to exercise in a mindful way. This means lifting weights and doing cardiovascular workouts in a non-judgemental atmosphere with no preconceived notions of ability.

Effort and enjoyment is the focus. Hembrough asks his participants to enjoy the process of exercise rather than chase the outcome.

As well as exercising, participants also take part in meaningful conversations about life and practise meditation to connect with themselves and the world around them.

With physical and mental well-being in alliance, Hembrough reminds coaches that what’s true for participants is also true for them.

So, here’s his top tips for keeping your mental well-being in tip-top condition.

  1. See exercise as an activity to enjoy – concentrate on what you like and what makes you feel good, rather than the long-term effect you want it to have. This will help you sustain a better relationship with exercise over time.
  2. Take it easy – you don’t have to exercise super hard to access the benefits of improved physical and mental health.
  3. Make it social – by committing to something with friends or colleagues you are more likely to complete it.
  4. Do it regularly – schedule regular exercise time into your coaching schedule. What are you going to do, where and when? Who are you going to do it with?
  5. Remind yourself that you’re worth it – you constantly remind your participants of their worth, so don’t forget to give yourself some love. Give yourself permission to prioritise your physical and mental well-being.
  6. ‘Before, during and after’ – take time to check in with yourself at the start of an exercise session, in the middle and at the end. This can be as simple as taking five slow breaths with the intent of being calm and finding focus. Your breath is your constant companion and a great anchor to use when you’re trying to be mindful and self-reflective.

To find out more about MindfullySTRONG, get in touch with Dave Hembrough via Twitter @dwhembro, Instagram @davehembrough or the Hallam Barbell Facebook page.

Raise Your Mental Health Awareness

Gain the confidence to support people experiencing mental health problems through our Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity learn at home course

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