May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to fight the stigma, raise awareness, and support the millions of people around the world living with mental health conditions. We spoke with iFIT Trainer Casey Gilbert, who shared what mental health means to him, challenges he’s faced, and how it inspires his fitness journey. To learn more about Casey, follow him and iFIT on Instagram. And be sure to take care of yourself with our TBD Mental Health Collection, featuring refreshing workouts that support your physical strength and emotional well-being. Casey, how has prioritizing your physical fitness and mental health affected your overall well-being? Casey: “I started prioritizing my physical fitness because it was something that made me feel good, made me feel calm, and made me feel productive. But I didn’t realize until a few years ago that I was also prioritizing my mental health. There’s been plenty of times when, if I’m stressed or anxious, I don’t find myself able to perform physically. Taking moments to breathe, be mindful, and check in with yourself can benefit your physical health. Taking a step back sometimes can help me move forward in my fitness journey.” What inspired you to start prioritizing your mental health? Casey: “Since diving into that passion and purpose of prioritizing my mental health, I found that my overall well-being has drastically improved. I’m able to show up more for myself and those around me, and it’s been quite the journey that I am looking forward to continuing.” Have you experienced times when your mental health affected your physical fitness? Casey: “Those who know me know that I’ve struggled for a long time with anxiety, depression, overthinking, and [feeling] overwhelmed. I think that’s part of the human condition, and it makes me feel more human. When I share that on social media and with the iFIT Community, I’ve gotten an overwhelming response of positivity.” How do you manage those feelings when they arise? Casey: “As soon as I realize I’m not the only one going through it, I try to think about how [I’m] feeling in that moment and being okay with that. It’s a fitness journey, right? We’re trying to build our bodies and get healthier. But it’s also a journey of the mind to figure out who you are and build on that.” One last question. Do you have advice for people who want to create a healthy balance between fitness and well-being? Casey: “Just like building your body, think of your mental health as a journey. You’re not going to flip a switch and have everything figured out, just like you’re not going to do one bicep curl and have Arnold [Schwarzenegger] arms. It’s a process, and practice makes progress. Also, be kind to yourself. It’s going to take time. You will have setbacks, but that’s the part of the journey. We’re here together. We’re experiencing life together, so have grace with yourself. You’ll get exactly where you need to be as long as you keep showing up and doing your best.” Conquer your goals with Casey! Like Casey says, “Consistency and dedication are the only ways to approach a task—and conquer it.” Join these iFIT Series with Casey and give your mental health the attention it deserves. Bhutan: The Journey Within Join Casey and iFIT Guide Kenton Cool on 10 intermediate hikes and jogs in Bhutan, finding happiness and gratitude every step of the way. Join the Bhutan: The Journey Within Series 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon® Series Race through the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon® with iFIT Trainer Casey in five advanced workouts as Casey leads you along this legendary and historic course. Join the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon® Series New England Interval Series Join Casey for 12 beginner jogs, increasing your endurance and speed while taking in stunning sites across New England. Join the New England Interval Series Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

May is National Fitness Month, and we’re here to celebrate with you! Join us, and make time for your health with the inaugural Fitness Month Challenge! Whether you want to restart your routine or push yourself to conquer new goals, join your favorite iFIT Trainers for 6 weeks of “mini-Challenges,” starting with National Fitness Month and ending on Global Running Day on June 7. Complete the workouts from your selected level for each week of the Fitness Month Challenge and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case to share with your family and friends! At the end of the Fitness Month Challenge, check your email for an exclusive one-time offer to purchase a commemorative Fitness Month Challenge t-shirt, so you can show off your success! See the Fitness Month Challenge FAQs section for more details. Read on to learn more about our weekly mini-Challenges! Week 1: EnergyWeek 2: CommunityWeek 3: MindWeek 4: ElevateWeek 5: NatureWeek 6: MovementFitness Month Challenge FAQs Week 1: Energy To kick off the Fitness Month Challenge, energize your body with workouts under 20 minutes to get outside and take in the fresh air in a flash! Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 1 between May 1 - May 7 and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Stay tuned for Week 2, and discover how having #squadgoals can transform your fitness journey. Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Give your body a boost with two energizing walking workouts, each under 20 minutes. Join iFIT Trainers Elyse Miller, John Peel, and Michael Phelps in Nashville and Maui! Join Week 1: Energy (Walking) Running: Looking for an energizing run but short on time? Join iFIT Trainers Alex Morgan and Jonnie Gale in Florida and Iceland for 2 running workouts, each under 20 minutes! Join Week 1: Energy (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Join iFIT Trainers Gideon Akande and Nicole Meline and feel energized in Bermuda and Montana! These 2 bike workouts are under 20 minutes, so make every moment count. Join Week 1: Energy (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: In a time crunch but want an energizing ride? Join iFIT Trainers Casey Zaugg and Richard Biglia for 2 cycling workouts, each under 20 minutes! Join Week 1: Energy (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: Have 20 minutes to spare? Hop on your rower and get energized with iFIT Trainers Alex Silver-Fagan and James Stephenson! Learn to row longer and stronger while getting a fantastic workout in. Join Week 1: Energy (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Join iFIT Trainers Elyse Miller and Shelley Dawson and strengthen your body with 2 workouts under 20 minutes! Start with a total-body workout and wrap up with an energizing Vinyasa yoga flow. Join Week 1: Energy (Strength) Digital Reward Want more quick workouts? Check out our new Shorts Collection on the iFIT mobile app or your NordicTrack or ProForm equipment coming soon! Week 2: Community Having a Community in your corner makes exercise more motivating and fun! Before Mother’s Day, work out with your favorite iFIT Trainers who are also moms. Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 2 of the Fitness Month Challenge between May 8 - 14, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case! Stay tuned for Week 3, and learn why your physical and mental health is inseparable. Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Here’s to all the strong women, from our trainers to our Community! Join Stacie Clark and Sanya Richards-Ross for 2 walking workouts in Aruba and Jamaica. Join Week 2: Community (Walking) Running: Celebrate our Community and our female trainers in Florida and Croatia! iFIT Trainers Elyse Miller and Kelsey Sheahan coach you with 2 running workouts to guide your fitness journey. Join Week 2: Community (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Join the iFIT Community and moms around the world to inspire your goals! iFIT Trainers Ashley Paulson and Heather Jenson coach you on your fitness journey with 2 inspiring bike workouts. Join Week 2: Community (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: iFIT Trainers Ashley Paulson and Stacie Clark lead the way and guide you! Join our Community with 2 cycling workouts to inspire you to reach your goals. Join Week 2: Community (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: iFIT Trainers Susan Francia and Anja Garcia are with you every step of the way with 2 rowing workouts! Practice your speed and endurance and learn how Community can take your goals to the next level. Join Week 2: Community (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Train with our Community as iFIT Trainers Kelsey Sheahan and Kayla Itsines coach you to a better you with 2 strength workouts that will tone your entire body! Join Week 2: Community (Strength) Digital Reward Want to see more of iFIT’s amazing moms in action? Check out our Mother’s Day blog and our “Celebrating Moms” row on the iFIT mobile app or your NordicTrack or ProForm equipment! Week 3: Mind Explore the connection between your body and mind! Take care of yourself during Mental Health Awareness Month with workouts that will revitalize you—inside and out. Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 3 of the Fitness Month Challenge between May 15 - 21, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Stay tuned for Week 4, and elevate your fitness to new places—and new heights! Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Take time for your well-being with iFIT Trainers Adam Sinicki and Dr. Jarrod Spencer! On 2 walking workouts, you’ll learn the importance of mental health for your overall health. Join Week 3: Mind (Walking) Running: Grab your shoes and join iFIT Trainers Adam Sinicki and Dewayne Montgomery for 2 running workouts! You’ll strengthen your body and mind from England to Hawaii to live a healthier life. Join Week 3: Mind (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Make time for you with 2 bike workouts to calm your mind! Ride with iFIT Trainers Shauna Shapiro and George Hincapie in Utah and Hawaii and learn how mental well-being strengthens your body. Join Week 3: Mind (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: Join iFIT Trainers Shauna Shapiro and Brandon Lyons on 2 cycling workouts and explore mindfulness to live life with purpose! Join Week 3: Mind (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: iFIT Trainers Thalia Ayres Randolph and Dr. Eva Selhub teach you to relax your mind, from finding inner balance to the importance of proper nutrition. Join Week 3: Mind (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Take some time for self-care today and feel good—body and mind! Join iFIT Trainers Kelsey Wells and Faith Hunter for an upper-body workout and meditation that will boost your strength and confidence. Join Week 3: Mind (Strength) Digital Reward Want to learn more about mindfulness? Check out the Mind section on the iFIT mobile app and our Q&A with iFIT Trainer Casey Gilbert. Week 4: Elevate Elevating your fitness goals means reaching new heights! Experience mountain vistas and hilltop views and aim higher on your journey. Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 4 of the Fitness Month Challenge between May 22 - 28, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Stay tuned for Week 5, and take in the fresh air as we go outside and explore nature’s tropical beauty. Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Elevate your fitness with iFIT Trainers Heather Jenson and Graham McTavish! Explore Hawaii and Scotland on 2 hiking workouts and find your peak performance. Join Week 4: Elevate (Walking) Running: Raise the bar on your health with 2 running workouts led by iFIT Trainers Tommy Rivs Puzey and Ashley Paulson! Explore Easter Island and Japan and elevate your goals. Join Week 4: Elevate (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Elevate your fitness to new heights with iFIT Trainers John Peel and Jenny Fletcher! Join them for 2 bike workouts in Costa Rica and Southern California. Join Week 4: Elevate (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: It’s time to elevate your fitness to new destinations! iFIT Trainers Ryan Petry and Tommy Rivs Puzey lead the way on 2 cycling workouts, so get ready for a thrilling adventure. Join Week 4: Elevate (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: From Slovenia to Montana, join iFIT Trainers Alex Gregory and Susan Francia for 2 rowing workouts! Elevate your power and speed before enjoying a sunset row to boost your goals. Join Week 4: Elevate (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Travel to Iceland and Portugal with iFIT Trainers Jonnie Gale and Hannah Eden and elevate your routine! Tone your body with 2 strength workouts and explore new destinations. Join Week 4: Elevate (Strength) Digital Reward Check out the iFIT Library and explore more workouts featuring inclines and majestic mountain views! Week 5: Nature Return to nature and gain a new perspective on your fitness goals! From boosting your mood to revving up your immune system and more, the benefits are endless. Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 5 of the Fitness Month Challenge between May 29 - June 4, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Stay tuned for Week 6, and cap off the Fitness Month Challenge with dynamic movement to rejuvenate and revitalize you. Here are this week’s mini-Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Soak up the sun in Saint Lucia and Oahu! iFIT Trainers Chris Clark and Jamie Mitchell take you on 2 walking workouts as you learn to connect with nature. Join Week 5: Nature (Walking) Running: Experience nature in Tanzania and French Polynesia! iFIT Trainers Knox Robinson and John Peel take you on an adventure with 2 running workouts. Join Week 5: Nature (Running) Bike workouts Casual Riding: Head outside and enjoy nature with iFIT Trainers Ashley Davis and John Peel in Hawaii and French Polynesia! Breathe in the summer air with 2 bike workouts and feel those good vibrations. Join Week 5: Nature (Casual Riding) Amped Cycling: Put on your shades and hit the beach with iFIT Trainers Richard Biglia and Casey Zaugg! See nature’s beauty in Puerto Rico and Vietnam on 2 cycling workouts. Join Week 5: Nature (Amped Cycling) Rower workouts Rowing: Explore Martinique and French Polynesia with iFIT Trainers Alex Gregory and Kevin Scott for 2 rowing workouts! Take in nature’s tropical vibes while challenging your speed and strength. Join Week 5: Nature (Rowing) Strength workouts Strength: Get out in nature and hit the beach with iFIT Trainers Hannah Eden and Chris Clark! Improve your flexibility and mobility in Iceland and Hawaii. Join Week 5: Nature (Strength) Digital Reward Week 6: Movement You were born to get up and go, so experience the power of movement for your body, mind, and overall health! As we wrap up the Fitness Month Challenge, June 7 marks Global Running Day! So, lace up your sneakers and check out our running workouts on the iFIT app to celebrate with us! Complete the workouts from your selected level for Week 6 of the Fitness Month Challenge between June 5 - 7, 2023, and earn a digital reward in your Trophy Case. Here is this week’s mini-Challenge: Move your body with iFIT Trainers Keith Mitchell and Gerell Webb! Enjoy a dynamic yoga workout and finish with mobility stretching to unwind. This mini-Challenge is available for all modalities and levels. Join Week 6: Movement Digital Reward Fitness Month Challenge FAQs How much time do I have to complete each mini-Challenge? For your selected level, you will have 1 week to complete the mini-Challenge for Weeks 1 - 5 and 3 days to complete the mini-Challenge for Week 6. The schedule is as follows: Week 1: May 1 - 7 Week 2: May 8 - 14 Week 3: May 15 - 21 Week 4: May 22 - 28 Week 5: May 29 - June 4 Week 6: June 5 - 7 Why is the Fitness Month Challenge 6 weeks long? The Challenge is 6 weeks long in celebration of National Fitness Month in May and ends with Global Running Day on June 7, 2023. What is the Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt? A first-of-its-kind celebration commemorating the Fitness Month Challenge, we are offering members who complete any of the 6 mini-Challenges the option to purchase an exclusive Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt. Please note: we are sorry, but the Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt is not available to international iFIT members. If I do not purchase a Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt, will I still receive a digital reward? Yes. You will receive a digital reward for completing any and/or all of the Fitness Month Challenge mini-Challenges. When will I get the link to order a Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt? Your Challenge completion email to order will arrive by Monday, June 12, 2023. When is the deadline to order a Fitness Month Challenge T-shirt? The deadline to order is Friday, June 23, 2023. When will my T-shirt arrive? You can expect the T-shirt to arrive within 4 weeks after the deadline. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

If there's anyone who is passionate about emotional health, it’s iFIT Guide Dr. Jarrod Spencer. As a sports psychologist for NCAA teams, Jarrod works with athletes on improving their mental health. His philosophy, “Clearer mind, better performance” echoes throughout his coaching. For Mental Health Awareness Month, he shared his passion for emotional health. How do you mentally prepare for a workout? Like most people, I listen to my body, but what I’m paying attention to is that phrase “work out.” What am I really trying to “work out?” I look at that emotion. Is it anger? Is it anxiety? Is it frustration? What emotion am I trying to “work out?” I usually listen to that and then dictate the type of workout I'm going to do accordingly. Sometimes, I feel like I just need a long walk to be introspective. It might be that I feel like I really need to throw some weight around. I feel a little bit of aggression inside, so I choose to do something like bench presses. It’s about what emotions I feel like I need to “work out,” and those emotions dictate my workout. What’s the top lesson that you teach athletes? If I want to help solve the mental health crisis in America, I can’t do it if I don’t solve the sleep crisis. We have people with very inconsistent sleep and not enough rest and recharge. Mental health is directly impacted by our sleep. The challenge is that we can’t solve the sleep problem in America if we don’t really solve the cell phone addiction problem. Most people are lying in bed with their phones, staying up far later than they want to, and giving themselves a small dose of depression as they look at everyone’s “perfect” life on social media. This makes them feel excluded and negative about their own lives. What we have to do is simply get the cell phone out of bed. Never again should the cell phone be in bed, but instead on a charging station somewhere away from the bed (not even on your nightstand!). That will hopefully contribute to better, more consistent sleep. By getting more sleep, you're going to feel better, which will lead to better performance and mental health. Do you have a philosophy that you live by? I do! In fact, it’s on my wristband. It says, “Clearer mind, better performance.” That’s my mantra. The clearer the six inches are between your ears, the better you’re going to think and feel. That’s been true for me as well. If I can try to keep my mind clear, it’s really powerful and helpful. That’s a big focus in my own life and the message that I teach and preach to other people. What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel at the top of your game? I’m so passionate about giving 100% that I've learned that even if I'm not close to that, it still might be helpful for other people. That mental switch has given me the permission to learn how to stay motivated when I'm not really on top of my game. I know that when I’m giving and serving, it’s still beneficial and valuable. What led you to become a sports psychologist? As an athlete, I experienced highs and lows, and I couldn't understand why I was going through them. I see now that I was meant to help people on the emotional side of their game, and I love that so much. Early on, I was interested in the mind-body-spirit connection. I was fascinated by the interplay on what health really was and is about. It’s not just the physicality; it’s so much more. Along my journey, I was given the book "Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives" for my high school graduation. That book talked a lot about the interplay of the mind and sports. Once I read it, I was hooked, and I found that I wanted to study and learn more about that. Overall, what led me to become a sports psychologist was my intellectual curiosity, personal gratification, and the desire to see people feel a little better. If you’d like more information about my career, my Mind of the Athlete Series will give you the chance to get to know my story a little better. What book is a must-read for those who want to improve their mental health? I recommend my book "Mind of the Athlete: Clearer Mind, Better Performance." I feel this book is beneficial for people on their fitness journey. It’s a roadmap for how the mind actually works best in relation to working out. My second recommendation would be Dan Millman’s "Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives." What piece of advice would you give to someone navigating a challenging time in their life? Counseling. I’m biased, but if you can find someone to talk through your problems and challenges with (and even positive stress and opportunities!), it can go a long way in helping your mind become clearer. Licensure is a valuable aspect here. I highly recommend licensed psychologists or counselors. This adds another element of HIPPA laws, confidentiality, training, and expertise. Don’t keep pushing through. Talk to somebody about it. Are there things you do or daily practices that you participate in to stay mentally strong? I’ve committed to a lifelong process of studying success. I've read books about successful people and pick the brains of people I know who are doing something really well. I try to learn as much as I possibly can from others. I study what’s working, why it's working, how it's working, and when it's working. I try to take a page out of their playbook and put it in mine. What’s your favorite part of your job? I love seeing people thrive! The way that we do that is to unlock the power of the mind. When your mind is clearer, your performance is better. That’s what I love the most—helping people get unstuck when they feel like they don’t know what else to do or how to move forward. Then, I love seeing them succeed. When a person is the emotionally healthiest version of themselves, all the good that we have inside us flows more freely. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT Trainers are their own and may not be those of iFIT.

As an internationally recognized expert, physician, author, and speaker, Dr. Eva Selhub is passionate about the power of resiliency and navigating stress via mind-body medicine and the natural world. As one of our iFIT Guides, you may know her from our Nutritional Psychiatry Series, where she brings you along for educational walks through beautiful locations in Massachusetts. Dr. Eva shared her mental health experience with us, highlighting how she stays motivated and focused. How do you mentally prepare for a workout? I think about the workout first and create a strategic plan that focuses on what the stimulus and purpose will be. It could be strength, metabolic conditioning, speed, or something else. I consider which muscle groups I want to hone in on. I also check in with my body and energy level to determine how much I want to push it. I'm very goal oriented, so I enjoy setting goals prior to each workout—big and small. Do you have a philosophy that you live by? “Always choose joy and love.” If an activity doesn't support me to live in love and joy, I don't do it. What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel your best? Knowing that this feeling too shall pass. I give myself permission to feel whatever I am feeling, knowing that I will soon be back at the top of my game. Everything passes like the seasons or the time of day. When discussing the link between diet and mental health, what are some of your favorite points to touch on? I love knowing that my body is like the landscape of nature and that the earth's ecosystem is like the ecosystem of my body; that everything is connected. When I nurture myself with natural foods, my true happy nature is enhanced. In other words, I think it's important for people to remember to take care of their gut health by supporting the microbiome by eating a variety of plant-based foods. Whatever we eat, it’s important to eat with joy and have an appreciation for the bounty we are being given. What book is a must-read for those wanting to improve their mental health? I recommend my book, Resilience for Dummies®. What piece of advice would you give to someone navigating a challenging time in their life? As human beings, we are designed to manage and withstand hardship and adversity. We have an innate ability to be resilient. Know that hard times will pass and that your choice is either to suffer or choose to look at the given situation as an opportunity for growth, learning, and becoming stronger than before. Are there things you do or daily practices that you partake in to stay mentally strong? I practice what I preach daily, which includes morning meditation and qigong. These practices help me center and release stress tension, connect with my spirituality, exercise my body, spend time in nature, and remember to not sweat the small stuff. I remind myself that nothing is personal, everything is energy, and everything can be seen as an opportunity to grow, learn, and love more. Check out Dr. Eva in our new Mood Food: Nutrition for Your Mind Series! DISCLAIMER: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT Trainers are their own and may not be those of iFIT.

Step into gentle walks around the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda with your iFIT Guide and sports psychologist Dr. Jarrod Spencer! About iFIT Guide Dr. Jarrod Spencer iFIT Guide Dr. Jarrod Spencer is a sports psychologist, speaker, and author, committed to improving the emotional health of athletes. He also serves as the sports psychologist for several NCAA teams, including Princeton University, Lehigh University, and the University of Maryland. He has been featured in USA Today, New York Daily News, and on ESPN Radio, as well. About Antigua and Barbuda Visit the turquoise waters at the Devil’s Bridge National Park, the calming shores of Galley Bay Beach, the sweeping views at the iconic and towering Pillars of Hercules, the lush green hills of the Shekerley Mountains, and more as Dr. Spencer helps you work it out. About the workouts This series is all about discussing different forms of anxiety, how to manage anxiety, how to help others with anxiety, and how to deal with anxiety in your life. Dr. Spencer will guide you through gentle walks around the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda as he shares his knowledge on anxiety and the best practices to cope with it so you can become more knowledgeable on this pervasive feeling. About iFIT Mind™ iFit Mind offers unique, groundbreaking content that expands the definition of what it means to work out. You’ll learn from experts in both physical and mental training to help you become the best version of yourself through mindfulness, meditation, and movement. You can support your experience with our printable worksheets, created by our trainers. Each worksheet features writing prompts to help you work through various iFIT Mind™ topics. Ready to get started? Join this series now! Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

The iFIT app offers a variety of workout series for every piece of equipment: skiing in Colorado on the elliptical, hiking or running in Hawaii on the treadmill, cycling in Turkey on the bike, rowing across the English Channel, and much more. For those seeking an equipment-free workout experience, there are several activities that can be accomplished without iFIT-enabled equipment! Best of all, these workouts give you the freedom to venture elsewhere, whether that's across the world or into a different room. Here's how to get started off of your equipment with the iFIT app: Strength training If you want to tone your body or build some strength, then you can focus on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or strength circuits that can be divided between upper-body, lower-body, full-body, or core workouts—depending on your interests and goals. You'll learn the fundamentals of lifting while getting in a good burn. If you’d like to give it a try, bring your mat and dumbbells and follow iFIT Trainer Kelsey Sheahan in her Foundations of Strength Training Series! Yoga and active recovery Taking days to recover is crucial to preventing injury and keeping your body healthy. There are many series on the iFIT app that teach you how to stretch and mobilize certain muscle groups and also enhance your flexibility and mind. Try dedicating 5–10 minutes to recover with stretches after running or strength training. You can try out the Mindful Stretching Series with iFIT Trainer Nicole Meline. You can also spend recovery days in Asia with iFIT Trainer Briohny Smyth in her Thailand Yoga & Strength Series. Audio Workouts These listening-only workouts allow you to focus on your surroundings instead of the screen. With a mix between endurance runs and intervals, mindful workouts, and strength training, there are endless options for you to get your activity in throughout the day. Try the Intro to Endurance Jogging Outdoor Series through the city with iFIT Trainer Casey Gilbert or meditate on a summit with iFIT Guide Kevin Courtney in his Strengthen the Mind Meditation Outdoor Series. Mindfulness and mental health Strengthening your mind is just as important as strengthening your body. The iFIT app offers a variety of mindful workouts, such as meditation and mental training. You can learn about topics like finding happiness, overcoming personal challenges, and how to get better sleep. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to offer several health benefits that can have a long-lasting, positive impact on your life. If you haven't already, zen out with iFIT Trainer Nicole Meline in her Montana Meditation Series. At iFIT, improving your health and wellness is our goal, so we’re always releasing new workout series for you to try—both on and off your equipment! Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 each year. This globally recognized day is focused on raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. Research shows that exercise may have a positive effect on your overall mental health. We all know the feeling of pride and accomplishment after completing a workout, but focusing specifically on your mental health is another way to improve your overall well-being. At iFit, we know that a strong mind is just as important as a strong body. That’s why we have introduced several series that are focused on mental health to help you strengthen your mind through motivational messages, meditation practices, and even a series focused on quality, restful sleep. Here are some of the wellness series available in the iFit Library: In this series, you’ll walk with sports psychologist and iFit Guide Dr. Jarrod Spencer. He’ll explain the mental health issues athletes often struggle with, like anxiety, depression, anger, confidence, vision, hurdles, and energy. He’ll provide you with tools to conquer these issues, along with stories of famous athletes, including Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Stephen Curry, and Landon Donovan. Join this Series In this audio series, iFit Guide Kevin Courtney will guide you through basic practices of meditation that are intended to generate a calm and stable mind. As the series progresses, Kevin introduces more advanced techniques to enhance focus, cultivate awareness, and ultimately help you find your way to a bright, luminous mind. Join this Series This unique series with iFit Guide Jason Stephenson will help you slow down at the end of the day and peacefully transition to healing rest. He will help you overcome loud subconscious thoughts, calm your mind, and enter a deep state of tranquility. Join this Series iFit Guide Dr. Shauna Shapiro will lead you through six mindful walks, teaching you science-based practices of mindfulness and self-compassion. Her goal is to rewire your brain to bring about lasting change that can help transform your life. You'll learn specific practices to help you improve your sleep, increase your body positivity and self-esteem, and cultivate greater coping tools to manage your stress. Join this Series We hope you’ll join our iFit Guides for these unique, enlightening series, focused on your mental health and well-being.

Fitness enthusiasts focus on bettering themselves by staying active, whether that is running to lose weight, lifting to build muscle strength, conditioning to advance athletic skills, etc. Another great way to stay active is by practicing mindfulness. This includes activities such as yoga, meditation, and stretching. With full-time work schedules, workout routines, social lives, and all other responsibilities, the average person only really gets to relax for about 43 minutes a day. By being able to incorporate mindful activities into your workout routine, not only will you improve your physical health and abilities, but you will also see an improvement in your psychological health. According to the American Institute of Stress, 77 percent of people suffer from physical health issues, and 73 percent suffer from mental health issues, due to stress. Physical problems, such as headaches, high blood pressure, and muscle tension or pain can stem from stress and decrease your desire to exercise. In addition, high levels of stress can lead to anxiety and depression. By making time for active recovery, both your body and mind will be significantly healthier. To start becoming more mindful, join iFit’s Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Series with iFit Guide Dr. Shauna Shapiro, who will provide tips on how to sleep better, manage stress, and stay positive! Practicing meditation is the best way to calm the mind and bring your awareness fully into the present. Try iFit’s audio Strengthen the Mind Meditation Series with iFit Guide Kevin Courtney for more tips on how to start. Meditation can reduce feelings of negativity, like anger and sadness. As a fitness advocate, you can also benefit from an improvement in focus and an increase in motivation! You can start with as little as one minute of practice daily, and the long-term benefits make it worthwhile. Having a healthier mindset will boost your immune system, increase your pain tolerance, and decrease your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. You can also participate in physical activity during meditation when doing yoga. Yoga is a combination of physical postures, breathing control, and mindful-based meditation. The practice not only brings your mind into full consciousness, which can decrease mental health issues, like panic disorder, it also improves flexibility and mobility, enhances strength, and betters heart and lung function. The constant stretching allows your body to become more elastic, which can decrease your overall pain level. You can practice yoga in places such as the studio, your backyard, at the summit of a mountain, or even at the beach! To start your yoga journey, try iFit’s Heartward Yoga Series to get started! Yoga is an active way to stretch out your muscles, which is important to do after any workout. Taking time to stretch reduces your risk of injury, as well as improving your performance and the range of motion of your joints. You know you have a solid lower-body workout when you can barely walk afterward, but it is crucial to spend 5 to 10 minutes to stretch and relieve your sore muscles. To improve your mind, body, and soul, participate in iFit’s September Challenge, which includes a mix of audio workouts to get you started on your journey to mindfulness!

Learning to truly love and accept your body—flaws and all—can be a challenging journey. Nowadays, Photoshop, filters, and social media seem to rule the universe. We sometimes live in a distorted version of reality, as we’re constantly subject to everyone’s pretty pictures and highlight reels. Now more than ever, people are saying no to society’s unrealistic standards. At last, people are realizing you can be healthy without a six-pack. You can look good and not kill yourself at the gym. You can have stretch marks and still be beautiful. Slowly but surely, we’re learning to separate our appearances from our worth and recognize that our differences are what make us unique. This may be easier for some and more difficult for others. If you’re in the boat of this being a difficult issue for you, don’t worry. The practice of loving who you are doesn’t happen overnight, but working through the five steps below can help you take a step in the right direction. Instead of always noticing the things you don’t like about yourself, make an effort to call out the things you do like. If it helps, keep a notepad by your bed and write down three things you like about yourself every night. In the morning, read those three things to yourself. Easier said than done, but just remember that everyone is on a different path and in a different place on their journey. Even someone you admire and think is the perfect person probably has their fair share of insecurities, too. Even Cindy Crawford once said, "I wish I looked like Cindy Crawford." Exercising and eating well are two things commonly associated with changing your physical appearance, but both are so much more than that. When paired together, they can truly heal your mind and body. Nothing gets those endorphins (your body’s all-natural happy drug!) fired up faster than moving your body. Then when you couple it with wholesome foods that nourish and energize your body, it can only lead to good things. This applies to yourself and others. In the long run, what we say and think about ourselves tends to become our reality. Every time a negative thought enters your mind, replace it with two positive thoughts. In the words of Karen Marie Moning, “Who and what we surround ourselves with is who and what we become.” Find those who uplift and encourage you, and you’re sure to find yourself in a more positive place. At the end of the day, it’s more than just being comfortable in your skin and feeling good about yourself. It’s about truly accepting and loving yourself exactly the way you are.