Kempston-based gym Studio 281 says their focus will be on better mental health this May as they set challenges to raise money for mental health charity Mind.
Studio 281 is setting a community member challenge to ride 28 miles a week as part of its timetabled ride classes and ts first charity partnership of the year.
Throughout May, the female-founded and family-run gym will be hosting more ride classes than ever before, with themed rides and personalised tracking to support members in completing the challenge.
The mission for members will be to raise as much money as possible for mental health charity Mind
Gym founder, Georgia Testa said: “The link between mental and physical health is so dominant and we’ve seen first-hand how powerful fitness can be for those suffering with mental health issues.
“We also know how important the role of community plays and that’s why it’s always been at the heart of everything we do.”
The British Medical Association (BMA) found that in 2023, the NHS received a record five million mental health referrals with over three times as many children and young people in contact with mental health services as there were seven years ago.
A National Audit Office report highlighted the lack of capacity and support that GPs can provide as the reason that since 2021 over eight million people are said to not even be in contact with any form of mental health service.
Businesses filling the gap
Georgia says she feels statistics like these are leading to more local businesses than ever supporting communities to fill the gap in health services.
For Studio 281 this involves “amplifying the strong link between physical and mental health”, she says.
Research from Mind shows that physical activity not only helps to improve mood, confidence and stress levels but it’s also been proven to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly when social engagement is involved.
“Our gym is a judgment-free zone where everyone is welcome and respected and we strive to create an inclusive space where people feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be their authentic selves, putting their health, both mental and physical, at the forefront,” added Georgia.
“I’m so proud that the Studio 281 community is supporting Mind this May, the work they do around the UK is vital for those in need and I’m so grateful for every donation made to our challenge, no matter how small, it all adds up so that no one has to struggle alone.”
Donations to support the challenge can be made through the Just Giving link here.
Reader offer
Bedford Independent readers can receive 10% off their first reformer pilates session with the exclusive code ‘beds10’ when booking through this link.
Memberships are just £65pm for unlimited ride, met con, strength and conditioning and yoga.
Members also receive discounts for reformer pilates, barre and small group sessions alongside a wide range of additional benefits such as monthly candlelit yoga, monthly pulse pilates sessions and a results-driven fitness plan complete with performance tracking.
Studio 281 also offers credit packs and a PAYG offer to ensure there’s an option to suit every budget and lifestyle.
