Up Close: Rock Gym passionately supports mental health through men's Sunday training sessions

Hitchin Nub News aims to support our community, promoting shops, businesses, charities, clubs and sports groups.

We showcase some of these businesses, organisations and interesting individuals from our area displaying creativity and innovation in our regular feature called 'Up Close'.

For our latest Hitchin Nub News Up Close we're highlighting an inspirational local gym that is supporting mental health.

This week we are featuring Rock Health and Fitness run a male mental health session for men over 40 every Sunday at 11am. It is a relaxed session for all abilities and those taking part enjoy strength training, cardio and conditioning and/or boxing.

We spoke to passionate mental health advocate Steve Jeffs about the sessions men can - and should - sign up for, and how important it is to try and boost your mental health through fitness.

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The notion of the primacy of the Alpha Male is, alas, still prevalent in our world.

Unfortunately such arrant hogwash appears to be everywhere in today's society.

Such an outdated - and dangerous notion - causes severe harm to men. Sometimes men need help and that is ok.

Men who work long hours, who worry about finances, or parenting, or supporting a family - along with enduring stressful careers while attempting to balance a home life - should look to take an hour out of their day. Needing sixty minutes to yourself is not selfish, as clearing your mind will do you a world of good.

"Are you struggling?" asks Rocks Steve Jeffs, "because that's ok," continues the inspirational trainer at a progressive gym situated very near to Hitchin.

"Fancy an hour to yourself? That's ok too," adds Steve. "Do you need help but don't want to ask? That's ok.

"Just coming to a training session with guys in the same position as you can help." Steve assures.

"There's no need to talk if you don't feel like it. You can simply train, get some negative energy out of you and leave with a clearer mind."

Most people know that physical activity releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood. It can also get you out into the world, help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation by putting you in touch with other people.

Lisa underlines that exercise is proven to improve our mental wellness and is the most underutilised anti-depressant. We release feel good hormones when we exercise and we also have the group environment that helps with motivation.

Rock Health and Fitness run a male mental health session for men over 40 every Sunday at 11am. It is a relaxed session for all abilities and those taking part enjoy strength training, cardio and conditioning and/or boxing.

For those thinking of signing up, empathetic Steve explains: "We all have mental health and even if you are not feeling helpless or depressed we still need to check in with ourselves and ensure we are felling hopeful and happy.

"These Sunday sessions are to help men if they are managing stressful jobs, feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities of daily life - or even if they just want to have an hour to themselves to clear their minds."

As a personal trainer, Steve works with many people and she has noticed how pressurised it is for men - including cost of living increases, work pressures and family life and commitments - all of which were the main driver for Rock hosting these sessions to help boost men's mental health.

"I also see how many men are taking their own lives daily in this country," says caring Steve, "and I wanted to help support and encourage men to open up in a safe space.

"Why not come and train with us," says Rock's inspirational Steve "No ego's and no expectations."

To sign up to Rock Gym click here

More about Rock Gym

Rock Gym works with GRIT charity as well as supporting a breast cancer charity that provides support for women. Rock is very much community focused and cares about its members – they a re not just a number on a screen to us.

Rock owner Lisa Austin says: "As a very small private community we support our members mental health and would love to help more people in the local area."