Our
Mission
To remove barriers for those seeking to engage in physical activities as part of their mental health treatment plan through funding and to provide community education about the benefits of physical activity as part of mental health treatment.
The evidence is overwhelming that physical activity encourages emotional and spiritual wellness in addition to physical health. We believe that all individuals should have access to the array of places and activities that promote engagement in this process. Our vision is that all people have access to these services while seeking mental health treatment regardless of their financial means.
Our Vision
Our Guiding Principles
We believe that the mind and body must be treated concurrently
We believe that connection through community is a key to wellness and that this can often be found through athletic endeavors
We believe that any person can find a physical activity that meets their needs
Mood Disorders
Exercise can help change thinking patterns from negative to positive or provide distraction from negative thoughts. Exercise can enhance a sense of self-efficacy through mastering new skill. Social contact through exercise may also have a positive impact on mood. From a biological perspective, exercise can lead to changes in the circulation of monoamine neurotransmitters(dopamine, serotonin and epinephrine) and/or endorphins. Exercise can also lead to a reductions in the stress hormone cortisol which can play a role in enhanced mental health functioning.
Anxiety Disorders
Aerobic exercise produces many of the same bodily sensations that often elicit anxiety reactions, such as increases in heart rate, respiration, and perspiration. These are items with which individuals with high anxiety sensitivity often struggle. Individuals utilizing high-intensity exercise report reduction of fear of anxiety related physiological sensations. High Intensity exercise and low intensity exercise were both successful at decreasing overall anxiety sensitivity.
Substance USe Disorders
Meta-Analysis of relevant research has indicated that a regular exercise program can improve abstinence in individuals recovering from Substance Use Disorders.
