PNF fitness training event benefits Kelly's Loving Hands charity

By Jolene Bailey

When it comes to being healthy, many people think in terms of physicality. However, mental health is equivalent to our physical health when addressing the wellbeing matters of ourselves. While people may struggle with both their mental and physical health standards or goals that they create for themselves, this can not only affect their appearance, but also their overall attitude.

PNF gym in Windham hosted a fitness event on Saturday,
May 20 as a charity fundraiser for Kelly's Loving Hands,
a financial literacy organization for students.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

This is where Personalized Nutrition & Fitness (PNF) comes in. Located at 15 Storm Dr. in Windham, this gym’s mission is to provide an encouraging, helpful environment to achieve the wellbeing physical and mental state for which you may strive.

PNF independent contractor Mikayla Jeannette organized a charity training event on Saturday May 20 with the objective of donating all proceeds she collected to Kelly’s Loving Hands, a literacy charity that teaches students about financial independence and the value of investments.

“The event was a great opportunity to connect the community and educate the public on the mental health benefits of exercise, while also having an opportunity to give back. This weekend was also graduation for many, and most parents had a kids’ sports game to attend at that time. Many of those who wanted to attend were not able to,” said Jeannette.

Despite this, Jeannette plans to host possible quarterly events similar to this. The event drew 14 participants, with no sign ups needed. For the first time being hosted in the community, those who participated were eager to engage and help the ones who wanted to join.

In addition to assisting a deserving charity, as a reward for attending, participants were offered a 10 percent-off discount to be used at the Ice Cream Dugout as well as a raffle ticket to earn a free one-on-one based training session.

“The process involved seeking out a charity I wanted to work with, getting in contact with them, creating a flier to advertise, contacting The Windham Eagle, getting trainers to participate and lead stations, reaching out to other businesses like the Ice Cream Dugout to create an incentive to potential attendees, and getting needed supplies. I organize the event myself and also lead one of the stations,” said Jeannette.

PNF is open to all ages. This event specifically focused on movement and circuit training with each trainer leading their favorite style. There was a spin station, core station, mobility station, kettlebell station, booty boot camp station, stability and balance station, and a stability ball station.

At each station, participants were given an opportunity to try out different fitness styles and notice the overall change in their mood from participating in the event.

“We ranked everyone's mood before and after the workout. All participants saw a rise in energy and motivation and a decline in anxiety,” said Jeannette.

She said that physical health can take a toll on mental health but working on both while focusing on one at a time can help others better themselves and their state of health.

For more info regarding PNF or future events being held please visit https://www.pnfme.com/