"Let’s be honest. Life can get heavy.

Not just "I skipped leg day" heavy, but mentally heavy. Stress and pressure can build up until they feel like a physical weight. As a coach, I'm passionate about this because your mental health matters, and one of the most practical, timeless tools we have to support our minds is how we look after our bodies.

Strength training and movement are about more than physical gains. They are about your mind, your heart, and your whole-person wellbeing.

This is bigger than muscles

I love a tough kettlebell session, but I love what it does for people even more. I have seen it time and time again. Someone walks in feeling flat, carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. We train, we laugh, and we push through. By the time they leave, something has shifted. They leave feeling lighter and clearer.

We aren't designed as separate, disconnected parts. Our bodies, minds, and spirits are all linked. When we move, we are often lifting more than just weights. We are lifting burdens.

Stewardship, not just sweat

There's a powerful idea in ancient wisdom that our bodies are temples. This means looking after yourself isn’t about vanity; it's about stewardship. It's about honouring the life you've been given. This isn’t about chasing a "perfect" body. It's about being faithful with what you have. Whether you're smashing a session or just doing your best to turn up, it all counts.

Building resilience

When you finish a set your brain wanted to skip, you're training your mindset. You're learning resilience, patience, and grit. Those qualities don't stay in the gym. They show up when life gets tough. Physical training gives us a tangible picture of perseverance, teaching us how to keep going even when things feel uncomfortable.

A clear mind and an open heart

Exercise creates mental space. I've found that movement often becomes a moment where you feel more present. Sometimes the best reflections don't happen while sitting still; they happen mid-walk or mid-set. That connection is a form of worship, too.

Discipline that carries over

Physical training has enduring value because discipline is transferable. When you build the habit of showing up, you are building a "muscle" that helps you show up in your relationships, your purpose, and your daily life. Consistency in one area feeds into every other.

Connection is key

We were never meant to do life alone. Encouraging each other through a tough session builds a sense of community that is massive for mental health. Sometimes, a deep connection starts with something as simple as, 'Come train with me.'"

"Mental health is an increasingly significant concern, and nobody is immune to life’s challenges. We all need a positive, healthy, and caring environment to thrive rather than just survive. The facts are that one in four young people currently has a mental health condition, and suicide accounts for more deaths among young people than car accidents.

Sports people are not exempt from this. Playing sports and being active has numerous benefits for holistic health, physically, emotionally, and socially. However, those who take part in competitive sport face the same pressures as everyone else, including work, study, finances, and relationships. On top of this, they also deal with team selection, injuries, and game-day mistakes, which can significantly impact their identity and self-worth unless they learn to manage negative thoughts.

For 11 years, I was an Accredited Sports Chaplain for professional women’s basketball and football teams in Australia. My focus was to support the development of the whole person, helping people through both good and bad times to be the best version of themselves. I worked to create safe spaces in the community where players, staff, and parents could feel comfortable and know it was perfectly normal to reach out and talk to someone when needed.

'Stopping the stigma' of mental health issues is vital. If you have a bad tooth, you go to the dentist. If you have a bad back, you go to the osteopath. If you are struggling with your mind, we should normalize talking to a professional who can help. At times, we just want to vent to a friend and get things off our chest, but if you’re feeling low or down and it lasts longer than two weeks, that’s when it’s time to seek help from external sources. Your GP is a great place to start, and they can refer you on if needed.

I’ve personally struggled with bouts of anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression at certain points in my life. I’m grateful to have had strong support systems around me, and my faith has played a huge part in helping me through. I’ve had to learn to retrain my brain in the same way I train my body at the gym.

'I haven’t been given a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind' (2 Timothy 1:7) and 'I am transformed by the renewing of my mind' (Romans 12:2) are two of my favourite scriptures. Don’t believe everything you think. Sometimes our thoughts lie to us, and when negative thoughts arise, it’s helpful to challenge them and fill our minds with positive words from what God says about us.

Self-care is also important, doing the things that bring you joy in a healthy way. For me, this includes being out in nature, watching movies, listening to music, and chatting with people. I don’t have it all together; I’m still a work in progress, but I’m trying to be my own best friend and to remember, 'You are bold, you are courageous, you are more than a conqueror and an overcomer.'"

If anything mentioned in this article affected you, or you’d like support or to find out more about the topics discussed, please see the links below:

Here’s Simon Hall, Sport and Faith Coach with Sportily in the Forest of Dean, on why National Sports Sunday matters:

"Every year, National Sports Sunday invites churches and sports communities across the nation to celebrate the gift of sport, and this year it falls on Sunday 10th May.

Sport is more than games, goals, and glory moments. It shapes identity, builds resilience, strengthens belonging, and gives us language for life’s highs and lows. Just like mental health is not a destination but a journey, sport reminds us that growth comes through training, teamwork, setbacks, and showing up again.

At Sportily, we love exploring the connections between sport, wellbeing, and faith. Through sport and scripture alike, we discover that we’re stronger, more capable, and more supported than we often believe.

Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, a volunteer, or someone cheering from the sidelines of life, this Sunday is for you.

We’re praying for you, and hoping you feel supported, encouraged, and celebrated in all that you do. May sport continue to bring you joy, build your confidence, and strengthen the connections around you.

So, as we look ahead to the rest of this year, here’s our starting whistle:

Sport matters. Wellbeing matters. Faith matters. And YOU matter.

Let’s celebrate it together."

To find out what's on near you, click here.

In this blog, Abi shares her reflections on why Easter is such a powerful season for renewal, and how it can shape both our faith and our wellbeing.

"Easter isn’t just about chocolate eggs, family meals and time off. It can also be the perfect opportunity for a personal reset. Spring brings longer days, warmer air and a natural sense of new beginnings, making it an ideal moment to refresh your fitness goals and reconnect with movement.

For Christians, Easter is a powerful reminder of renewal, hope and new life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That message connects beautifully with caring for both our bodies and our spirit. The Bible encourages believers to honour their bodies and to live with discipline, gratitude and purpose. This season invites us not only to celebrate with family and community, but also to embrace movement, wellness and balance as part of how we live out our faith.

Rather than focusing on guilt or overindulgence, Easter can inspire a fresh commitment to health by choosing joy, being thankful for our physical strength and renewing habits that support a healthy, vibrant life. Just as Easter symbolises new beginnings, it offers a meaningful moment to refresh both faith and fitness, moving forward with intention, energy and hope.

Easter celebrations bring families and communities together in joy, generosity and togetherness. They remind us of the importance of compassion, unity and serving others. In that spirit, the season gives us the chance to practise kindness, extend forgiveness and recommit not only to our own wellbeing but also to supporting those around us.

The story of Easter reminds us that renewal is both spiritual and practical. It’s seen in restored hope, strengthened faith and daily choices that reflect love and discipline. As Christians celebrate this sacred time, we’re encouraged to carry its message beyond a single day, living with gratitude, balance and purpose.

Whether through prayer, reflection, acts of service or a renewed focus on healthy habits, Easter becomes more than a date in the calendar. It becomes a reminder that growth is always possible and that every new season brings an opportunity to begin again with faith, strength and hope.

How do you celebrate Easter?

For me, I love watching the sunrise on Easter morning because it symbolises hope, new life and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then I spend the day with my family, going to an Easter service and enjoying a classic Easter egg hunt together."

We've got so much happening this Easter, from pop-up sports to holiday clubs, and fitness sessions for adults. Click here to find out what's on near you.

£15 can open the door to an unforgettable weekend.

The TRAC Weekender is all about energy, sport, friendship and FUN — a place where children can run, laugh, belong and explore what faith means for them, in an action-packed and welcoming environment.

Last summer, 40 children in years 5 and 6 joined us for the very first TRAC Weekender, and the impact was immediate.

As the 2025 event leader put it:

“What a weekend! Lots of outdoors fun and activities. Good food, time to explore faith and so much energy all over the site! A weekend not to forget!”

At Sportily, we believe sport should be open to all. That’s why we’re raising funds to sponsor places at the TRAC Weekender, so cost is never a barrier to taking part.

What your £15 helps make possible

Your donation helps cover the cost of a place, including:

• Action-packed sports and outdoor activities
• Shared meals and time together
• Space to explore faith in a relaxed, age-appropriate way
• A safe, inclusive community where everyone is welcome

This is practical giving with real impact.

A simple gift. A clear outcome. A child able to take part.

Open to All

By sponsoring a place, you’re helping ensure that every child who wants to come can come — no exclusions, no barriers, just opportunity.

£15. One place. One brilliant weekend.

Sponsor a place

He also reflects on how faith can inspire storytelling and offers a fresh perspective on the life lessons hidden in the books we love. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just looking for some inspiration, this video is packed with ideas to explore, enjoy, and share.

Building community through running and faith

Lucy reflects on how the journey from 0-5k became more than just running, creating space for connection, courage, and personal growth through faith and community.

Breaking barriers: Women in sport and the power of self‑belief

Insights on confidence, overcoming obstacles, and finding your place in sport.

Did you know that there are fewer girls participating in Sport? 

Exploring the challenges girls face in sport and how we can make opportunities more accessible.

From self-doubt to strong: My journey with Abbie's Pilates classes

"Not only have I taken an interest in my health and body, but my confidence has grown."

How Pilates helped heal my body after an Eating Disorder

A story of recovery and strength, showing how sport can help rebuild confidence and wellbeing.

Menopause: A marathon not a sprint 

A personal story about staying active through menopause and embracing every stage of life.

Rachel's placement year with Sportily

"Building relationships with the children I’ve worked with and working alongside such a supportive and encouraging team who have really invested in me in a multitude of ways have been real highlights for me."

Step into wellness: Embrace the season with a winter walk

"Yet without fail, I know a walk will make me feel better, my head will be clearer and my body will be healthier."

We love our volunteers

"I enjoy working with young people in various capacities, as they possess a refreshing perspective that hasn't been tainted by life's experiences."

When will Netball become a professional sport? 

A look at the growth of women’s netball and the push toward professional recognition.

Why don’t we talk more about ACL injuries in women?

Victoria shares her journey through injury and recovery and what it taught her about resilience.

Why is women’s participation in sport lower than men’s?

An honest discussion on the gender gap in sport and ways to encourage more women and girls to take part.