30-day memorial challenge helps keep both body and mind healthy

A gym is helping people stay mentally as well as physically healthy through lockdown with its 30-day exercise challenge – and raising money in memory of a member in the process.

Pinch-An-Inch Body Transformation Centre, based on the Parsons Industrial Estate in Washington, is using the time it is closed during lockdown to encourage members to help both themselves and others with its 30 workouts in 30 days challenge.

The gym is hoping to raise £1,000 for Tyneside Mind while raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention during lockdown, a cause close to their hearts after a member of the centre took their own life two years ago.

Owner of Pinch-An-Inch Body Transformation Centre, Darren Tyrie, believes people looking after their mental healthismoreimportantthan ever right now, and stressed the importance of exercise to keep the mind healthy, as well as the body.

“Lockdown is having some very negative impact on mental health right now and suicide is at an all-time high,” he said.

“Everyone suffers with mental health to some extent and it’s important people take it serious and learn ways in ways in which you can help yourself. Not many people know that physical exercise

Darren Tyrie of Pinch-An-Inch gym

and nutrition are some of the biggest and best ways you can improve this.

“Team Pinch-An-Inch have decided to challenge themselves to complete 30

Workouts in 30 Days. Not only is this to help challenge and motivate our members at such a difficult time right now, we also want to raise money and create awareness about mental health.”

So far, the group has raised £570 for Tyneside Mind and is hopeful of reaching their goal of £1,000, but need all the help they can get.

Despite being forced to close again, Darren and the Pinch-An-Inch team have been posting live workouts to Facebook to keep members active and healthy during lockdown.

He added: “The online workouts have been a great success so far and have been great for encouraging more physical activity during the lockdown.”

To help support the PinchAn-Inch team in their 30-day challenge, visit their Just Giving page.