Welcome to SDHC’s Health and Wellbeing podcast! In this episode, we explore the intricate balance between mental health and physical activity with our special guest, Steven Clarke. Steven shares his extensive experience and insights from his career, spanning over 25 years in mental health and physical fitness.
Steven, a coach at Team Bodyworks and a former clinical exercise therapist, delves into the importance of physical activity for mental health, drawing from his work with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. He discusses how exercise can be a crucial component in mental health care and the challenges of integrating it into routine care plans.
- 00:00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellbeing Podcast
- 00:00:57 Interview with Stephen Clarke on Mental Health and Physical Activity
- 00:02:46 Balancing Passion, Commitment, and Personal Time
- 00:04:34 Establishing a Sustainable Routine
- 00:06:19 Prioritizing Personal Health and Fitness
- 00:13:50 Importance of Physical Activity and Reasons to Stay Active
- 00:18:08 The Science and Benefits of Physical Activity
- 00:23:28 Inactivity as a Leading Risk Factor for Health Concerns
- 00:25:31 The Start of a Mental Health Journey
- 00:27:51 Establishing Exercise Guidelines in Mental Health Services
- 00:29:10 Setting Up Exercise Professionals for Mental Health
- 00:31:09 Challenges and Changes Amidst COVID-19
- 00:32:26 Transitioning Patients from Hospital to Community
- 00:33:49 Addressing Inequalities in Mental Health and Physical Activity
- 00:36:46 Impact of Strength Training on Mental Health
- 00:39:09 Motivating and Sustaining Exercise Routines
- 00:41:40 The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
- 00:44:02 Overcoming Barriers to Exercise Participation
- 00:48:48 Integrating Physical Activity into Healthcare Plans
- 00:52:05 Balancing Exercise Intensity for Menopausal Women