Hey there, a much happier post today
So, let me tell you about the wild ride I’ve been on recently. Picture this: me, a ball of stress, anxiety, and PTSD, trying to claw my way out of that deep, dark hole. I knew I needed a change, but where do you even start when everything feels overwhelming? Enter Tom Broad, my personal trainer and unexpected saviour.
Yes, you read that right. I decided to hire a personal trainer to help with my PTSD. Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't that what therapists are for?" And you'd be right. But let me tell you, Tom is no ordinary personal trainer. This guy is a legend.
The Genius of Combining Exercise and Mental Health
Before we dive into Tom's awesomeness, let's talk about why exercise is a game-changer for mental health. When you’re dealing with PTSD, your brain feels like it’s on a never-ending rollercoaster of doom. But exercise? It’s like giving your brain a VIP pass to the calm and happy section of the amusement park.
Here's the sciencey bit: Exercise increases endorphins, those magical chemicals that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It also helps you sleep better, reduces anxiety, and improves your overall mood. Basically, it’s like a legal, natural antidepressant with a side of muscle tone. This is the exact same process with any new skill, even pedal building releases endorphins when you crank it up and it works. That sense of achievement is there for you the same as it is for me at the moment with the training.
The Legend of Tom Broad
So, how did I end up with Tom Broad, the personal trainer extraordinaire? It was a bit of a fluke, honestly. I was looking for someone who could help me get fit, but I found someone who could help me get my life back on track.
Tom is not just any PT. He’s trained in mental health, which means he gets it. He understands the struggles, the setbacks, and the small victories that come with recovering from PTSD. Plus, he’s got this uncanny ability to make you laugh even when you’re drenched in sweat and cursing the day you decided to do squats.
From the Couch to Crushing It
When I first started with Tom, I was in rough shape. I mean, getting off the couch felt like an Olympic event. But Tom has this way of pushing you just the right amount. He doesn’t yell or make you feel bad; he encourages and motivates with a mix of tough love and genuine support.
Our sessions are a mix of challenging workouts and mental health check-ins. One minute I’m lifting weights, the next we’re talking about coping strategies for anxiety. It’s like therapy, but with more burpees and fewer couches.
Effort Results in Motivation
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from Tom is that motivation follows effort, not the other way around. Waiting to feel motivated before you do something? Yeah, good luck with that. Tom taught me that sometimes you have to start moving first, and the motivation will come. It’s a bit like jumping into a cold pool. It sucks at first, but once you’re in, it’s actually pretty refreshing.
Every time I show up for a session, no matter how tired or stressed I am, I leave feeling better. And that feeling of accomplishment, of pushing through the hard stuff, is incredibly empowering. It’s a reminder that I’m stronger than my PTSD, and that’s a victory worth celebrating.
Why You Should Get a Tom in Your Life
If you’re struggling with mental health, I can’t recommend getting a Tom enough. Okay, maybe you won’t find a personal trainer named Tom Broad, but you get the idea. Find someone who understands both the physical and mental aspects of recovery. Someone who can push you, support you, and make you laugh along the way.
Tom has been more than just a trainer; he’s been a friend and a lifeline. Thanks to him, I’m not just surviving; I’m thriving. So, here’s to more burpees, more laughs, and a healthier, happier me.
I lost Val, he was my biggest inspiration, but in honour of him I am determined to do better, to be better and put into practice the lessons he taught me whilst I continue to learn from Tom.
And remember, sometimes the best way to get out of a hole is to climb, one workout at a time.
Stay strong and keep moving, oh and no, I'm not that handsome chap with Tom below, but I will be Mr June 2025 in his new calendar!
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