The Five Elements Podcast

10. Why the Gym Isn't a Substitute for Therapy

Listen Later

On today's episode of the pod, Coach Sam and Coach Dylan do a deep dive on why they think the gym is one tool in the mental health toolbox - but not the only one. Through the lens of personal experience and professional guidance they've been given, they conclude that the importance of working on your mental health with a professional is integral to success. 

Roses and Thorns:

  • Dylan's love of football, the excitement for the end of COVID lockdown, internalized patriarchy and the gruelling but necessary pain of feeling his feelings.
  • Sam's experience with internalized misogyny, intense personal growth and the joy of stopping a thought spiral from consuming you whole. A very big, small win. 


    • Mental Health & Fitness:

    • why we can't take out our mental health problems on our bodies
    • Sam's moment of clarity that being smaller wasn't the answer
    • Hedonic Adaptation: the bright shiny new-ness that wares off and fades rapidly
    • The Arrival Effect: "I'll be happy, when..."
    • the integral difference between happiness and fulfillment 
    • internal problems don't have external solutions
    • it's only one tool in the toolbox, along with many others
    • it’s one tool in the toolbox, not the only tool
    • the benefits of exercise and taking care of yourself are mental health boosters, but not solutions
    • all humans need social support
    • Dylan’s moment of clarity
    • Lean = happy
    • The caveats of toxic positivity
    • The powerful & heartfelt connection in sharing a meal or “breaking bread”
    • How we use things outside ourselves to regulate dysregulated emotions
    • The discipline tool in the tool box is the most overused
    • Why we can’t white knuckle our way through lifelong patterns, habits & behaviours
    • How we need to develop the skill of self awareness to make long term change
    • The impact of mental health on the nervous system
    • Fight, flight, fawn or freeze
    • The war on trauma
    • How the gym does actually benefit our mental health: anxiety relief, endorphins, serotonin, feeling accomplished, gaining confidence, self efficacy


      • Interested in coaching? Tap the link below to apply.

      https://www.five-elements.ca/contactus


      Tap the link below to subscribe to our weekly newsletter:

      https://www.five-elements.ca/five-elements-newsletter


      Follow Us on Instagram:

      Coach Dylan @coach_dylandacosta

      Coach Sam @fiveelementscoaching


      Post-production, music & overall wizardry by Jonathan Gavin @gonathanjavin

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store
      The Five Elements PodcastBy Five Elements Coaching