Movember is an annual campaign that raises awareness for men’s health, including physical and mental well-being. Movember isn’t just about growing moustaches – it’s a time to think about helping men feel better inside and out. Many men face big challenges when openly sharing their feelings, and this month helps raise awareness and support to make it more acceptable and easier to reach out. One place that can make a big difference in men’s mental health is the gym. Here, people come together to work on their physical health, and often their mental health, too.

Why Men’s Mental Health Matters

Sometimes, men have a hard time talking about their feelings because they’re expected to “be strong” and “tough.” But everyone, including men, needs to feel heard and supported. When men don’t talk about how they’re feeling, it can sometimes make their mental health worse. This is why the Movember movement is so important – it helps everyone remember that men also need support for their mental health.

How Gym Communities Can Help

1. Working Out Together Brings People Closer

Doing workouts with others can help men feel like they belong. Whether they’re lifting weights, going to a spin class, or joining a circuit workout, exercising with other people can make it easier to connect. When people work out together, they share in the struggle and the success. It's a place where new friendships are born and a great environment to connect with people who have likeminded interests.

2. Achieving Goals Together Builds Trust

Setting goals at the gym, like lifting a certain weight or running a certain distance, helps build connections between gym buddies. Achieving goals together also gives people someone to rely on. It can feel good to know someone is counting on you to show up, which is especially helpful if you’re having a tough day. This type of gym friendship can be a great support.

3. Exercise Helps the Mind Feel Better

Exercise doesn’t just help people get stronger or faster – it also helps their minds feel better! Physical activity releases endorphins, which can lift your mood and lower stress. When people are around others who are also working hard, it can motivate them to keep going. Plus, when someone achieves a fitness goal, it helps them feel more confident and resilient.

4. Talking About Men’s Health at the Gym

We're all about community and bringing our members together. With new club events launching this month, we hope to break the ice on topics like mental health and help you feel less alone. When others come together, it reminds them that everyone needs support sometimes. Learn more about the events, workshops, and classes we are holding in November at your club and how you can get involved here.

5. Creating Safe and Comfortable Spaces

The gym is a place where people can feel safe to connect without the pressure of “having to talk about it.” For some, just being around others who understand can be a big help. These types of gym friendships can lead to deeper bonds and a network of support.


How Gym Friends Can Support Each Other

Try Group Classes: Joining a class or a workout group is a great way to meet new people.
Find a Workout Buddy: If you’re finding it hard to stay motivated, having a workout partner can help. Knowing someone is counting on you to show up can make it easier to stick with it.
Celebrate Each Other’s Wins: When you and your friends reach goals, it’s a great reason to celebrate together, which builds positive vibes.
Encourage Openness: When you’re open about your own struggles, it makes it easier for others to share, too.

Nominate Someone You Think Could Benefit From A Gym Membership

With our brand new nomination program Best Fit Forward, Welcome Gym members can nominate someone they know is struggling to be considered for a fully sponsored gym membership.

How To Nominate?

There are two ways to nominate someone. You can either speak directly to one of our staff members at your local Welcome Gym club and they can assist you with your nomination. Or, you can tap the Best Fit Forward member notice on our mobile App. If you haven't already, you can download our mobile app via the Google Play Store or App Store below:

DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY
DOWNLOAD ON APP STORE
Gym communities are more than just about working out. We encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of Movember by helping one another feel better mentally, too. When we work together, not only do we lift weights, but we lift each other’s spirits as well. This is what Movember and our Lift Campaign is all about – sticking together and creating a gym community where everyone feels supported and strong, inside and out.