Mental Fitness Mondays: Train Your Mind to Move Your Body
27th July 2026Does mental fitness drive physical fitness, or vice versa?
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? What’s that got to do with mental fitness? Well, for this blog I was questioning which comes first out of these two: does mental fitness drive physical fitness, or vice versa?
Both/And
The truth is that we’re one system (ok, a collection of lots of different systems) so they both go hand in hand. Or to put it another way, we’re the chicken and the egg. Physical fitness can boost mental fitness; but mental fitness helps you get started and keep going. Every walk, swim or stretch begins with a decision - and that decision is a mental fitness moment.
A bit of neuroscience
It’s not just willpower at play here; your brain chemistry gets involved too. When you move, your brain changes. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which supports neuroplasticity - your brain’s ability to adapt and rewire. It also raises BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that helps brain cells grow and connect. In short, movement builds brains as well as biceps. No wonder a short walk clears the head!
How the Four Core Muscles of Mental Fitness can boost your physical fitness too
Self Care:
Exercise is a practical act of self care. Real self care isn’t the treat you earn at the end; it’s the routine you stick to on ordinary days. Enjoyable activity links with higher dopamine, which in turn helps motivation and habit formation. For me, it’s yoga, walking, a few weights, and fresh air. For you, it might be football, climbing or a swim. Balance it with rest and recharge and remember that recovery is part of training, not a sign of weakness.
Self Organisation:
This is where intention becomes action. Put your lunchtime walk in the diary; pack lunch beforehand so the time is there. The prefrontal cortex handles planning, and it tires as the day goes on. Reduce decisions in advance and you save brain power for the bit that matters: getting moving.
Self Development:
Think growth, not grind. New challenges release BDNF and other helpful chemicals, which over time support mood, learning and resilience. That’s one reason why regular activity is linked with lower rates of depression and anxiety.
People Skills:
Humans are social, and moving with others can raise oxytocin, which helps with stress regulation and makes effort feel easier.
So, to summarise - that fitness routine will boost all Four Core Muscles, and the Four Core Muscles will make the routine happen. Talk about win-win!
Coaching reflection:
- How will you use your mental fitness muscles to boost your physical fitness and create a win-win?
- And which do you think came first, the chicken or the egg?!