Fitness. My medication for mental health.
Everyone has a why. For most it’s superficial, “Bro, I need bigger arms”, for others it’s a little deeper, it’s a lifeline.
Hi. My name is Elena, BSc Psychology graduate now Personal Trainer and I’m here to share my story.
If you asked me where my fitness journey all started I could give you many answers. I could say it started when I officially started lifting in 2015, or when I attended my first dance class at 3 years old. Fitness saved me mentally, it’s where I go when I’m happy, angry, excited or sad. It’s where I’ll always go.
Let me tell you why.
Through my upbringing, my mum made sure I tried it all. From Dance to now Strength Training, she opened me up to the world of being active. From a young age, I realized I could use exercise to manage my emotions, craving it more when I experienced the need to express.
At the age of 7, my family’s life tore apart. Without going into too much, my family dynamic broke and we no longer lived together. At a young age, I was made to put the mismatch pieces together to try and figure out what was going on. It’s funny that I understood everything at that time. I don’t remember having many emotions towards it. However, I do remember as I got older and bad experiences would repeat, I turned to exercise as my expression. Dancing was my emotional outlet.
I danced until I was 16, taking exams, participating in shows and attending drop-in classes. When it was time to do my A-levels, my priorities shifted. I could no longer attend dance as revision got the best of me. I used the college gym a few times but this was the height of my fitness journey.
When my mum fell seriously ill in 2013, I reached for a different form of exercise. Through this time, I needed an outlet. I couldn’t be the typical University student; it was hard to put on a fake face. I had amazing friends around me who supported me and allowed me to be me. Other than that, I couldn’t wait for uni to end, only coming in when I absolutely had to. The idea of clubbing, drinking and going to socials never really appealed to me, let alone at this time.
I needed an outlet. I was frustrated, pissed off and confused. My bed was where I spent most of my time and I lost ALOT of weight. University stressed me out and my home was not home. All the people I would usually confide in were taking life as hard as I was.
This was the first time I can physically remember being so sad. I’m happy to say things improved through University and I continue to pray every day I do not go that again. I no longer went dancing regularly so it made it harder without my old outlet. I began to search for a different outlet. I could of chose drugs, I could have chosen alcohol, but I chose exercise. Even throughout the daily trips to the hospital, meetings with the doctor and my own personal counselling sessions, I would stick on a 20-minute YouTube video and get to work.
I never had a physical reason. I loved my body which ballet had built. I simply did this for my mental state without even realizing. Just spending these few minutes daily on me, made me give more to myself and others around me. I even started seeing physical changes, muscle in my arms and some abs. I started seeing how amazing it was to exercise, the power to mold your body how you want. The work you put in was directly related to the outcome you receive. Little did I know 5 years ago this would spark my interest in the fitness industry.
In 2015, I got the courage to purchase a gym membership. I had no clue what I was doing but as with the majority of us girls, we head straight for the treadmill and a mat for some ab work. I remember doing this for a few months before my life struck me again and I spent summer 2015 in my bed with no energy to see anyone. I can’t remember exactly how this happened but I stumbled across Bret Contreras otherwise known as the “Glute guy”. He believed strongly in strength training for women to build a stronger, leaner body. This sounded crazy to me, weights are for men, right? Well, I physically learned this was wrong. I purchased his book “strong curves” which contained 12-week strength training programs all mapped out perfectly.
This lifestyle became so rewarding as I have become stronger over the years all while continuing to sculpt the body I want. There is something so special about lifting weights, it teaches mind-set. I started meditating, journalling and reflecting to improve my mental state. Not only has this helped me get out of my down periods quicker (I still have them) but it continues to help me achieve any goals I set out for myself (no matter what type).
My fitness journey eventually led me to qualify as a personal trainer to help others experience what I have. As a Psychology Graduate, I understand human behaviour and how this can impact our health and fitness. I believe firmly in mind and body dualism (as one) and use this to not only help people achieve their goals but improve their overall quality of life.
I have no idea where this journey will take me. I am currently running a start up company where I hope to bridge the gap between fitness and mental health. I will continue to grow stronger mentally and physically. Being active is something I will always be grateful for. God knows where I will be today without it. I train because it makes me feel Powerful, Confident and Strong.
I train for Mental Health.
Elena Da Cova, Personal Trainer.
Instagram: Elenadacova
Any individuals in sports and fitness who would like to share their voice, please submit to hank@hankfittraining.com