Championing mental wellness through exercise

by Edimar Kampgen

Beta AI Generated Image By Wix

In the bustling world of London Metropolitan University, students navigate not only the complexities of academia but also the delicate balance of mental well-being. Derick Wynter, a seasoned fitness instructor at the London Met Gym for over 25 years, says there is a transformative power of exercise in sustaining mental health. 

For Wynter, exercise is more than a physical regimen; it is a vital instrument for boosting self-esteem, motivation, and focus. His journey exemplifies the profound impact of regular, albeit brief, workouts on mental resilience. He handled training to some of BUCS boxers silver medallists including 2004-2005 former London Met Sports Nutrition student, Antony Neunie.  

“To exercise for me is a stress reliever. When I do not training I do not feel good, I have a sense of feeling horrible, if I do not come to the gym, I feel agitated,” said Wynter. “If someone has ]poor] mental health I can imagine how it can affect them.” Students with anger issues in particular need a way to release their stress, he added.

Wynter’s consistency in training underlines the notion that even brief, regular exercises contribute significantly to well-being. 

Free gym

London Met understands the significance of holistic well-being, providing students with a diverse array of fitness classes, from martial arts to yoga. In a move aligning with NHS recommendations, the university advocates the use of apps like Coach For 5K and Active 10, democratizing access to mental health benefits. 

The university’s commitment extends beyond mere encouragement. London Met facilitates students’ engagement in various classes, recognizing that a healthy mind complements academic excellence. To access these mental health havens, students can easily fill out an online health form and book free 50-minute sessions. 

For Judit Sandor, 43 years old, a master’s degree student in Sports Therapy and a professional bodybuilder, mental health is connected to exercise.  

Judit Sandor by Edimar Kampgen

“One day [ without coming to the gym] does not affect me much, because I keep resting days in between,” she says.

In her opinion, even if you have some mental struggles, it is stupid to go to the gym every day without day off. “You lose the motivation if you do not keep balance” she says, adding that some people keep coming to her with mental issues due to her years of experience. 

Mental health sanctuaries

In the face of academic stressors, London Met’s fitness facilities have become sanctuaries, fostering an environment where students can seamlessly integrate well-being into their academic pursuits. 

Kostas Gogos, Sports Fitness and Wellbeing manager, said: “It used to be a paid membership two or three years ago, we decide to make it free for the wellbeing of our students and staff.   

Kostas Gogos by Edimar Kampgen

“As the university propels a mental wellness revolution, students find solace and strength in the transformative potential of exercise.” 

NHS-endorsed apps like Coach For 5K and Active 10 exemplify how exercise aids mental health, fostering a sense of community and combating loneliness, which can help students with limited budgets. 

Mental health is not a luxury but a necessity. In a world that constantly demands more, people who take care of their physical health are not just surviving; they are thriving through a commitment to self-care and mental resilience, one exercise at a time.