Advocating for the Essential Role of Movement in Physical and Mental Health [Podcast Series]

“And through that really realized not just the impact the fitness industry can have, but how much work we have to do to really get people not intimidated and feel like they're invited into the world of physical activity, which is, in my opinion, sort of an essential part of all of our lives for mental and physical health. But I saw how many people don't know how to start that process. So that's part of why I'm involved with CFA and the PAA and a variety of advocacy efforts, because I really learned in my job at In-Shape, I saw how many people that once you invited them in gently you can really change their lives.”

“How do we help increase access to safe and equitable places to exercise for all Californians? Because we know that there's many communities where people don't feel safe outside. So we want to increase people's ability to join a gym. We also know gyms aren't for everyone. So how do we help people find their new activities?”

“Anyone who is involved and believes as part of their mission that physical activity helps your mental and physical fitness, they should be part of this. And it shouldn't be owned by any of us. It should be a platform for change. And that's probably the biggest thing I've learned that you got to earn your seat at the table. And when you're at the table, you’ve got to behave as a citizen of the communities you serve. Not as just an advocate for your industry, whatever that may be.”

“But there's no question there's a perception that we're still like the gym people, and we're just about weights and, and kind of the business side of health versus the true greater good. And so part of my role is not just participating, but I'm, is to help change people's perception of the industry.”

And then the long term vision would be hopefully we could get some funding to run an ongoing public service campaign that's all about kind of movement for mental and physical fitness. And that could take a form of a variety of TV ads, billboards, etc. Just inviting people, educating people, building awareness around the importance. We say that pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars and they sell hope in a pill on their TV commercials. I want to sell hope in a workout.”

“And so part of what we're trying to do, to your earlier question of how do we change our perception as an industry is taking a leadership stance on just good practices, to showcase that the fitness industry is a great industry, and we're good citizens, and it's a great place to build a career. So the Equal Pay Pledge is a great example of that.”

“I mean, we had some of the worst restrictions of any industry, not just fitness. What that illustrates is, is that there's just a lack of understanding of this industry. So we can't just run around and say we're essential, we have to demonstrate it on multiple dimensions. We have to lean in, we have to collaborate with others. And we have to kind of rebrand ourselves or, it is rebranding, but it's also showcasing all the things that people don't know about us.”

“ And I think the pandemic really illustrated the fact that community, the fact that movement, the fact that feeling good about yourself, like everyone has a mental health moment at any given time. And so physical activity is such a great, it's by no means the end solution for someone with severe mental health issues. But for most people, if you're having a day that you don't feel great, and you just go for a walk, you will feel better.”

“We'd love any support we can get because we're excited and we hope this kind of ecosystem approach will be a playbook that we can all use to really accelerate what I know everyone is passionate about, which is ultimately creating a more healthy country and world.”

Walkable Cities Where Walking is the Useful, Safe, Comfortable and Interesting Choice [Podcast Series]