Written by Jin, Exercise Physiologist at Healthy Connections

As an Exercise Physiologist, I spend a lot of time talking about physical health - exercise, fitness, and staying active. While these are all important, Men’s Health Week is a valuable reminder that mental wellbeing deserves just as much attention.

After all, a healthy body and a healthy mind go hand in hand.

Many men grow up hearing phrases like “toughen up”, “don’t cry”, or “just get on with it”. While resilience and perseverance are valuable qualities, problems can arise when we start believing that being strong means handling everything on our own.

Being emotionally vulnerable doesn’t make you weak - it makes you human.

At the same time, being emotionally open doesn’t mean you need to wear your heart on your sleeve 24/7. Sometimes life requires us to stay calm, composed, and practical. Other times, it helps to talk things through and lean on others for support. The healthiest approach is often being flexible enough to do both.

Think of it like exercise. You wouldn’t train only your upper body and ignore your legs. Mental health is similar - you need a range of tools to stay healthy. Sometimes that’s resilience and stoicism. Sometimes that’s vulnerability and connection.

This is where exercise can play a powerful role.

Most people know that exercise helps improve physical health, but many don’t realise how much it can benefit mental wellbeing. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, boost confidence, improve sleep quality, and provide a healthy outlet during challenging times. It can also create valuable opportunities for connection.

Many conversations about mental health don’t begin with a serious discussion at all - they happen during a walk, while exercising, or simply spending time outside. Sometimes it’s easier to open up when you’re focused on something else. Whether it’s a walk with a mate, a group exercise class, or a session in the gym, getting active can help break down barriers and create opportunities to connect, talk, and support one another naturally.

At Burnie Brae, we see this every day.

People often come in looking to improve their strength, fitness, balance, or mobility, but they also leave with something equally valuable: connection, confidence, routine, and support. Sometimes the biggest benefit of exercise isn’t just the physical improvement - it’s having somewhere to go, people to see and a team that genuinely cares about your wellbeing.

During Men's Health Week, we asked our male gym members, "what keeps you healthy and well?"

Sure, exercise and healthy eating got a mention. But so did coffee with mates, having somewhere to be, keeping busy, getting out of the house, having a laugh and staying connected. Healthy ageing is all about balance.

This Men’s Health Week, consider making time for both your physical and mental health.

Go for a walk, join an exercise class or simply get moving. And if you’re not sure where to start, come and have a chat with our Exercise Physiology team.

Because being strong isn’t about staying silent. It’s about looking after yourself, supporting others, and knowing that it’s okay to ask for help along the way.