Shanaye Shares Personal Experience With Moving For Mental Health

Founder of SK Bodyworks, personal trainer, online fitness, nutrition and weight loss coach, Shanaye Kuntze once lived and breathed the game of soccer.

“I used to play semi-professional soccer,” Ms Kuntze said.

“I lived and breathed the game, and unfortunately in 2014, I sustained a life-changing injury during a soccer game and I tore my ACL and meniscus which required surgery for a knee reconstruction.

“It was a 12-month recovery and rehab process before returning to the soccer field.”

It was during the time that she was unable to play the game she most loved that Ms Kuntze realised the impact that not being able to move her body had impacted her mental health and how the ripple-on effect it had on all areas of her life, including nutrition, sleep, mindset, motivation, the way she showed up and much more.

“This is when I decided I wanted to help others on their road to better health and help as many people as possible in this lifetime to make sure they have exercise in their life, not only for their physical health but also for their mental health,” Ms Kuntze said.

“I completed my studies and founded SK Bodyworks in 2016 and have since been in the health and fitness industry for eight-plus years, also furthering my education in nutrition.

“And this is why it is my mission to impact as many people in this lifetime as possible.”

Having worked with hundreds of clients, both within the Hawkesbury, surrounds and across Australia over the past eight-plus years, it is without doubt, behind weight loss, the most common reason clients want to start exercising consistently.

“I have also seen first-hand through my own experience and through working with clients the huge and positive impact that exercise can play in supporting our mental wellbeing.

“The statistics across Australia in relation to physical and mental health is concerning.

“Australia is ranked 140th out of 146 countries for the highest physical inactivity levels for adolescents.

“Over 56 per cent of Australian adults are not meeting recommended physical activity guidelines.

“About eight people take their own lives in Australia every day and for every one death, it’s estimated another 30 people will attempt suicide.

“Eighty-nine per cent of people report knowing somebody who has made an attempt.

“It’s no secret that ‘movement is medicine’.

“There was a study done (by the University of South Australia - which was published globally) that has concluded that exercise is more effective than medicine and was devised to help doctors improve management of patients with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and psychological distress.

“There is more than enough research proving that exercise can boost our mood, increase our energy, self-confidence and release a hormone called ‘endorphins’ - which is why we always feel better after exercising.

“Yet, not enough Australians are active or are exercising, which is having a significant impact on our health systems and exercise should really be used as a preventative measure and to support Australians in feeling their best.”

Ms Kuntze has organised a Free Move For Mental Health event on Saturday, September 21 from 10 am at Windsor High School in hopes of making a difference.

“SK Bodyworks is collaborating with RUOK, AusActive and Susan Templeman MP for this event to raise much-needed awareness around the critical connection between exercise and mental health - as well as raise funds for RUOK to aid in suicide prevention within our local community and across Australia.

“Move for Mental Health is for anyone who is wanting to improve their physical and mental health.”

All ages, genders and fitness levels are welcome to attend and everyone is required to register at https://events.humanitix.com/move-for-mental-health to attend on the day.

“I hope to see you on Saturday 21st September at 10 am for a free workout and to listen to some great speakers around this critical topic to inspire you into action to improve both your physical and mental wellbeing,” Ms Kuntze said.

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