Strongman gym transformed my mental health | London Daily News

According to a report 1 in 8 men face common mental health problems such as anxiety, stress or depression men still don’t open up about these things as much as women and the the NHS reports that men account for only 36% of their talking therapies. With World Mental Health Day having taken place on the 10th of October one man is sharing his story of how a strongman gym, Grindhouse Strongman helped him when he felt ‘mentally broken”

Myles Allman, 37 was on a downward spiral after breaking his leg and ankle and losing his job 5 years ago, followed by being involved in an accident where he received 4th-degree burns over 20% of his body.  He says that the Burton-on-Trent-based gym, owned by ex-armed forces officer Tim Latter has helped transform his life.

He said

“I hadn’t done anything physical for myself consistently since leaving school.  I saw my career as more important than my health, then after a series of accidents I was left mentally broken, dealing with stress, anxiety, and PTSD from being blown up.  I struggled for years and was constantly looking for the easiest coping mechanisms, destroying myself in the process.  I felt like a stranger to myself.  The only consistent thing was my job as a site engineer”

As time went on Myles’s physical health also took a further hit when he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and stage 2 high blood pressure.  Recognising that things needed to change Myles focused on his diet and shed 4 stone but before long he slipped into old habits and his physical and mental health started to decline again and that is when he discovered Grindhouse.

He continues

“I saw my friend doing a different kind of workout on Facebook, throwing stuff around, having fun and it caught my eye.  I signed up for a free trial and I was terrified driving there but I was immediately hooked.  I was made to feel welcome, the group was diverse and had people of mixed abilities, and most importantly at the time I was made to feel valued.  I signed up straight away and haven’t looked back since.”

After settling into the gym Myles who now attends most days using a mix of the strongman strength and conditioning sessions says that it has totally changed his mindset.

Myles continues

“ I’ve seen changes in my body, my personal bests are improving week by week, but most of all mentally I am a changed character. I have never been confident, but now I walk into the local supermarket with my head held high, not hiding from people, not panicking about situations I can’t control because my entire mindset in life has changed to a ‘can do’ attitude, rather than an obsessive worrier. If anyone is looking to make that next step and to take back some control of their life I would highly recommend trying it out.  I would have laughed at myself a year ago but it can change your life.”

Founder of the gym Tim Latter said

“I’m so glad to hear that Myles has found that joining Grindhouse has helped improve his physical and mental health.  The whole ethos of the gym is for people to come along whether they are pro athletes or absolute beginners and have fun, train, and reach their own goals whether physical or mental in an environment free of ego.  I set up the gym to give people access to the best equipment, training, support, and encouragement to enable them to become the version of themselves they want to be.”

The gym located on Callingwood Lane, Tattenhill offers something for all ages with group training, teen classes, group classes for 6 to 12 year olds, cold plunge and rucking group.

To find out more or to book a free trial session visit https://grindhousestrongman.co.uk/