As we are aware exercise, routine and social community all contribute to improving/maintaining good mental health. I work in wellbeing and mental health and see first-hand how beneficial exercise can be for people, including how it has contribute to my healthy lifestyle journey. 

For a lot of people Lockdown forced us to stop doing the things that help us mentally, tings that increase motivation, energy, confidence, me time and happy hormones. 

It has been scientifically proven that exercise improves your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

For those who have finally been able to access local gyms again and get back to their healthy rituals and routines has been a god send, so i am saddened to find that Sport Direct in Hove have announced they are permanently closing giving members a weeks' notice. 

Please read Argus Article below: 

Sports Direct Fitness is to close its doors on Wednesday, November 9, leaving many members concerned for their physical and mental health.

The gym, which is thought to have around 3,000 members, announced yesterday the decision to permanently shut its doors, leaving many without a place to exercise, some without jobs and concerns about mental health.

One member, 50, who regularly uses the gym, said: "It's a travesty. It will leave a massive gap.

"I swim there every day and my husband uses the gym every day. It's really good for my mental health and overall health. The sense of community is huge, it's such a loss.”

Many gym users said that they benefited from the accessible price which included the use of the gym and pool in the building.

Another member, said: "This is my life. I come here six days a week and this place has got me back on track. It's heart breaking."

The closure of the gym will also leave a number of staff and personal trainers unemployed.