International Men's Day
- emmapfc
- Nov 19
- 4 min read
I’ll be honest — this blog took me longer than expected to write. Draft after draft felt a bit flat, almost like a list of statistics without any real message. I kept asking myself, Why am I writing this? Yes, it’s International Men’s Day. Yes, it’s Movember. But what did I actually want to say?
And then, in the quiet of an early morning, with the house still, it clicked.
I want men to know that I’m here to help.Simple yet true.
Perhaps part of the difficulty came from looking at the data. Men, on the whole, are often physically more active than women. They’re more likely to join a gym, to lift weights, to be seen as confident in training spaces. And I found myself thinking: Why would they need my support?
But the reality is far more nuanced.
Not all men feel confident in the gym. Not all men feel they “fit” the traditional fitness culture. Not all men play team sports or want to. Not all men know where to start.And many men — a significant percentage — don’t engage in physical activity at all.
These are the men I’m writing to.
The men who feel unsure, overwhelmed or unmotivated.The men who want to improve their health but don’t know where to begin.The men who haven’t yet found a type of movement they enjoy.
Research consistently shows that men face unique pressures — expectations to appear strong, cope silently, be self-reliant, avoid “burdening” others, and prioritise work or family over their own wellbeing. These pressures don’t just affect emotional health; they also contribute to physical health risks. Men are statistically more likely to engage in poor lifestyle behaviours, many of which are leading contributors to early mortality.
That’s why International Men’s Day and Movember felt like the right moment to write this piece. These campaigns highlight the emotional, psychological, and social challenges men face alongside the physical ones. And the more I read, the clearer the message became:
Men’s health deserves attention, compassion, and support.
Exercise is powerful — far more powerful than most people realise. It isn’t just about fitness levels or aesthetics; it’s one of the most effective tools for improving men’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Physical Health: Exercise can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers including colon and prostate cancer. It supports metabolic health, bone density, mobility, strength and healthy ageing.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Exercise boosts mood, reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and helps manage stress. For many men, who may find talking about emotions difficult, exercise provides a healthy outlet to process feelings and improve overall mental wellbeing. Exercise can also offer a space to connect with others, providing a sense of connection and belonging.
Confidence and Self-Esteem: Regular activity can help re-shape how we see ourselves - celebrate the wins - showing up for yourself, lifting heavier, running further, playing in the garden with your children - all these things are moments to give yourself a high five for! Each little win builds confidence and self esteem
Healthy Ageing: Staying active reduces the risk of early death and supports healthier ageing. Even small amounts of movement — walking more, a few strength exercises at home, or short “exercise snacks” — make a meaningful difference over time.
So how can I help?
Most of us know what we should be doing - but knowing where to start, how to stay consistent or how to train in a way that actually fits into real life is often the challenge. That’s where coaching can make the meaningful difference and that’s where I can help!
I am here to meet you where you are, to help find exercise which suits you, fits your life and support you in taking the next step! So here’s what we will do:
Create a plan that fits - we will find movement that works for you - your lifestyle, your preferences, schedule and confidence level - whether that’s at home, outside, in the gym or a mix of all three.
Unsure where to start? I will guide you through safe, effective training tailored to your goals, experience and ability.
Let's be honest, life is busy. Work demands, family priorities and all the things in between can derail good intentions. Coaching can help you stay on track during your busiest weeks we’ll focus on manageable actions. Consistency creates change - not perfection
We will start where you are - whether you are returning to exercise, starting for the first time or simply wanting to feel healthier and stronger, you’ll be supported.
My aim is to help you build routines, mindset shifts and lifelong habits that will not only support you now, but in the years to come
If you are reading this thinking ‘yeah it might be time for me to prioritise my health’ whether that’s getting fitter, or stronger, to improve your mental wellbeing, or wanting to find movement you enjoy - you don’t have to do it alone! This is where I can help.
Coaching isn’t about perfection. It isn’t about being the fittest in the room.It’s about taking a step forward, however small, and having someone in your corner to guide, support, and encourage you.
Whether you’re starting from scratch, coming back after a break, or wanting to build healthier habits for the future, I’m here to help you do it in a way that works for your life.
Your health matters. Your wellbeing matters.
If you’d like to chat, learn more, or explore what coaching could look like for you, I’m here — ready when you are.
Sources:
Sport England, WHO, Active Lives Survey 2023–24, Health Survey for England, House of Commons Debate on International Men’s Day 2024, Institute of Men’s Health, ONS, Movember Foundation.
Further Reading:
https://cdn.movember.com/uploads/files/Media Room/UK/The Real Face of Mens Health Report - Movember UK.pdf
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