I’m Sam, I’ve been training with Mary-Anne for 7 years, and this is my fitness story about how exercise makes me feel better.

I find my mood dips if I've not exercised. And as much as I would like to say I've the will power and motivation to drag myself out to the gym or go for a run, I don't. I need the structure of classes and PT sessions to make sure I do it, otherwise life gets in the way.

And even though sometimes I can see it far enough, I always feel better for doing some exercise.

The early years – when PE was something to avoid

I hated PT at school. I was never particularly athletic, and felt too big and clumsy next to the girls who did gymnastics. I did netball and hockey when I had to, and then dodged it at the earliest opportunity. And apart from a bit of this and that and some kayaking, that was pretty much me until I hit my 40s.

When mental health becomes the priority

And then my mental health took a bit of a nosedive.

After having my first son, I had a miscarriage. Then another, and another. One of my oldest friends could see me falling apart, and told me we were going for a run. She would turn up at my house once or twice a week, and drag me through Couch to 5K. And it worked. It wasn't immediate, but my mood lifted. It felt good to do something, and it felt so much better to focus on what my body could do rather than what it couldn't.

But then I miscarried again. And again. And suddenly running wasn't cutting it anymore.

Finding my thing – and my people

Around about this time, the taekwondo gym my son went to introduced a women's boxing class. Someone at the school gate suggested it, and a group of us went. And that was it, I'd found my thing. Not only that, I found my people. Some of them, at least!

Taking the next step with personal training

After doing one class for a while, I started doing more of Mary-Anne's classes. She's got a great way of encouraging you, and I really enjoyed it. I was taking several classes a week and was feeling fit. But while classes are good, they have to cater to everyone in the class – and I wanted to focus on some goals specific to me. So I signed up for personal training with Mary-Anne, too.

The happy chapter – but not the end of the story

And although it's not over yet – I'm still doing classes, still doing PTs – it all had a happy ending.

In 2020 I started back in the gym, post covid and with my newborn son in tow. (He did actually come to sessions with me)

I can’t begin to tell you how happy I was to find those classes. They were an amazing help to me at a time when I really needed it.

Things are very different now, but I'm still very aware of how my mood is affected by exercise. If I'm feeling a bit low, stressed or tired, or hormonal (or all of the above), I usually feel better after having some kind of exercise. Sometimes it's a real effort to make myself go to a class or a session, but I always feel better for doing it.

The difference is so marked that sometimes my partner will tell me to get some exercise – so it's not just me who can tell!

When the baby used to come with me to the gym

What's next for me?

The journey continues! I'm setting new goals with Mary-Anne and discovering new strengths I never knew I had. The most important thing I've learned is that fitness isn't necessarily about reaching a goal – it's about showing up for yourself again and again, even on the hard days.

If you're struggling with your mental health or just looking for a way to feel better in your body, I can't recommend Macfit PT enough. Sometimes the hardest part is just walking through the door that first time – but I promise, you won't regret it.

What I hope you'll take away.

There’s an undeniable connection between exercise and wellbeing. I’ve known Sam for so long I know exactly what regular exercise does for her. Here a few things that might help others who are struggling with their mood or just trying to find their exercise groove:

Consistency beats motivation every time. Many people wait for motivation to strike, but building exercise into your routine – whether through classes or PT sessions – creates habits that stick regardless of how you feel on the day.
Finding your exercise 'match' is crucial. Sam discovered boxing, kickboxing and resistance training after running wasn't enough. Everyone connects with different forms of movement – what matters is finding something that engages both your body and mind.
The right support system makes all the difference. As a trainer, I adapt my approach to what each client needs in the moment – whether that's gentle encouragement or a firm push outside their comfort zone.
Exercise is one of our most powerful tools for mental health. The science is clear: regular physical activity positively impacts mood, reduces anxiety, and builds resilience – something Sam experienced firsthand.
It's genuinely never too late to start. Many of my most successful clients began their fitness journey in their 40s, 50s, or beyond. Your body is capable of remarkable change at any age.

Want to start your own fitness journey in Helensburgh? I'd love to help! Get in touch to learn more about personal training, getting started in the gym, sensible nutrition and weight loss, and more. Contact me

My fitness journey: Finding balance through fitness