mental health
Holistic: Classes that cater for people with mental health problems are also likely to be enjoyed by other club members
may also be of interest to health clubs’ corporate members. Operators could also offer some
outdoor sessions such as walking, cycling and softer versions of the traditional ‘boot camp’. Aside from the general feelgood factor of being outdoors, there is evidence to suggest that the body has an immediate positive physiological response to natural views, including reduced blood pressure, reduced muscle tension and reduced heart rate (Bird 2007 – see also HCM Sept 07, p30). It would also be benefi cial to offer
talks and workshops. Clubs could use health specialists from other services, delivering talks on food to boost mood, for example. There’s also scope for some group and talking therapies for managing stress and anxiety – effectively ‘personal training for the mind’. These simple adaptations
and additions to the traditional programme provide health clubs with the potential to offer a more holistic service for existing members, as well as to engage with a broader, currently untapped market. It would also refl ect a commitment to following national government health initiatives, including the time4change campaign to reduce the stigma of mental health.
ways of working Working with clients with depression and anxiety may require a move to a more person-centred approach – something which existing members may also enjoy. Encouraging employees to develop and use their ‘soft’ skills is key, and it’s important that all members of your team are trained in mental health awareness so they can provide a welcoming, understanding and inclusive environment for all. It’s also essential to make sure
that instructors are qualifi ed to plan and deliver sessions appropriate for clients with depression and anxiety,
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Debbie Lawrence and Sarah Bolitho are published authors who have developed the Level 4 programme ‘Physical activity for persons with mental health conditions’ for Fitness Wales. Their book, Exercising your way to Health: Stress, is available this month, with a second book – The Complete Guide to Physical Activity for Persons with Mental Health Conditions – available in August. enquiries@fi
tnesswales.co.uk
38 Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital march 2011 © cybertrek 2011
“There’s scope for group and talking therapies for managing stress
– effectively personal training for the mind”
whether in the gym, studio, pool or other environment. The launch of the new Level 4 National Occupational Standards in 2009 has provided exercise professionals with an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills to work with clients with a range of health conditions, including mental health. Fitness Wales is the fi rst provider
to offer a Level 4 mental health qualifi cation, which it complements with add-on modules in mental health awareness, client-centred working, stress management, dynamic relaxation,
‘mind, mood and meditation’, supporting behaviour change and client retention. The course is now set to be taken up by Fitness Northern Ireland. Other training providers offering
mental health-focused qualifi cations include: YMCAfi t, which has a one-day introductory course; Exact Training & Resources, which offers a course focused on post-natal depression;
and Late Life Training, which is developing a course focused on dementia and older adults. “Central YMCA and YMCAfi t
have been pioneers in this work over the past 10 years, developing training programmes and equipping exercise instructors and mental health professionals with the skills, knowledge and confi dence to work in this area,” says Robin Gargrave,
director of innovation and development at Central YMCA. Victoria Smith, development
offi cer (fi tness) at SkillsActive, says:
“We’re putting in place a National Occupational Standard in designing, agreeing and adapting a physical activity programme for adults with mental health problems, a REPs mental health Level 4 Specialist Exercise Instructor category and a Level 4 course approval process that enables specialist training providers, such as Fitness Wales, to gain REPs recognition for their specialist courses.”
the opportunity In these strained economic times, offering a broader and more varied range of activity opportunities will improve inclusiveness, attract new client groups and retain existing members. It’s a cost-effective and socially responsible direction for health clubs to adopt.
PHOTO:
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/©JOSHUA HODGE PHOTOGRAPHY
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