Fit body keeps health in mind
TOWNSVILLE fitness instructor Zoe Spillane has seen first hand the impact of exercise on mental wellbeing.
Ms Spillane ( pictured), who runs the women- exclusive Fitness by Zoe out of her Aitkenvale studio, said the experience of her clients battling mental health issues was a sign physical activity was a positive.
“I’ve had a few people battle depression, and they’ve come to me and said their counsellor has noticed the change,” she said.
“Or they’ve been able to go off their medication, or doctors have noticed an improvement, just from introducing fitness and something them happy.
“Sometimes it’s that one thing that they look forward to in their day, it’s their happy place.”
An Australian Institute of Health Wellness report released earlier this month revealed 2.4 million people nationwide received Medicare- that makes subsidised mental health- specific services in the 2015/ 16 financial year.
Mental illness accounts for 12 per cent of Australia’s disease burden, according to the report, behind cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Ms Spillane said devices like the Fitbit Versa could help people stick to their movement goals and help track their physical activity.
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