Building Strong Bodies and Minds: How fitness supports men's health"

The result!! Physical and Mental Health quietly slip down the priority list — often until it’s too late.Statistics from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group paint a stark picture: one in three South Africans will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime, yet only one in 10 will get the help they need.

Even more alarming, suicide rates among men are five times higher than among women — a haunting reminder of what happens when struggles go unspoken.

“Too many men are silently struggling because we’ve been conditioned to ‘man up’ instead of speak up,” says Tim Carter, Head of Brand at Planet Fitness. “But what we want men to know is this: we see you, we hear you, and we’re here for you.”

So where does the solution begin! One of the most natural — and accessible — ways to support mental well-being is through Exercise. Beyond burning calories, movement reduces stress hormones and sparks the release of endorphins — those powerful mood-boosting chemicals that lift spirits and calm the mind.

“Movement creates momentum,” Carter explains. “And once that momentum builds, everything else — your mood, your energy, your motivation — starts to shift too.”

Science backs him up. Regular exercise is linked to better sleep, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and a greater sense of control in daily life — crucial for men battling the weight of unseen pressures.

But mental health is only part of the equation. Fitness is a frontline defence against some of the biggest health issues facing men today:

• Heart disease and high blood pressure: Men are statistically more likely to suffer heart attacks earlier than women. Consistent cardio and strength training lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and keep the heart strong.
• Erectile dysfunction: Often an early red flag for cardiovascular trouble. “Exercise improves circulation, boosts testosterone, and gives you back your confidence,” says Carter. “It’s a triple win.”
• Low testosterone: A natural part of aging that can sap energy, mood, and libido. Resistance training and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) help maintain healthier hormone levels and rekindle vitality.
• Obesity and belly fat: That stubborn midsection fat hikes up the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. A combination of exercise and balanced nutrition is one of the most effective strategies for burning it off.

The good news is you don’t need to commit hours a day to The Gym. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise three times a week — be it a brisk treadmill walk, a weights session with a friend, or a group class — is enough to start turning the tide.

And while exercise is powerful, Carter offers a final reminder: “Regular movement and good nutrition are cornerstones of better health, but they don’t replace medical care.

If you’re dealing with persistent mental or physical symptoms, speak to a doctor. There’s no shame in getting help — in fact, it’s one of the strongest things you can do.”

Because real strength? It starts with showing up for yourself — inside and out.

Issued on GQ South Africa by Luthando Vikilahle | https://www.gq.co.za/culture/fitness/building-strong-bodies-and-minds-how-fitness-supports-mens-health-da8a8d32-50d9-4547-a91b-a0ab2782f190