Cheshire-born Olympian launches Mindset and Movement Class

Cheshire-born Olympian Leon Taylor, has launched a mindset and movement class in line with mental health awareness week 18-24th May.

Six weeks ago Leon was about to head to the Olympics and then found himself without a job.  He picked himself up and has created a new fitness concept bridging his 2 passions of mental wellbeing and movement; he did a Ted talk on this area just over a year ago.  The new concept called Mindset and Movement is a wonderful 60 minute class that brings together mental wellbeing coaching, HIIT, Yoga and relaxation.

In this time when people are suffering a lot from mental wellbeing, it is important to take some time for yourself, understand how to support your mental wellbeing   and enjoy something… 

The class is open to anyone and you pay what you can afford (as little as £1!)   They are happening 3 times a week , Monday 8am, Wednesday 12, Friday 5pm 

Classes are book here:

https://bookings.leontaylor.co.uk/mindsetandmovement

The journey of British Olympian Leon Taylor

Leon Taylor, Olympian & BBC Commentator

Age: 42 years old

Men’s Diving Medals: Silver (2004 Olympic Games, 2002 Commonwealth Games); Bronze (2005 World Championships, 1999 European Aquatics Championships, 1998 Commonwealth Games)

British former competitive diver Leon Taylor has always loved sports. When he was diagnosed as hyperactive at an early age, his parents encouraged his involvement in physical activity in the hope he would find an outlet for his energy and enthusiasm. Diving soon became his passion and from the age of 8 it became clear he was destined for the sport. Three years later, he became national champion and went on to represent Great Britain at three Olympic Games.

Leon was injured after taking part in the Olympic Games in Sydney and underwent two reconstructive surgeries. During the rehabilitation period, he suffered from depression and consequently lost his love and motivation for diving. It wasn’t until months later that he overcame his mental illness, regained his joy for the sport and went on to win a silver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Leon credits physical movement with the power to alter our mental state, by reducing stress levels in our nervous system and positively affecting our mood. Even the simplest of physical activities such as walking, Leon argues, can have a big impact on our mental health.

“Mental health is greatly impacted by physical inactivity and I am proof of that. When I was injured, I was forced to stop diving and my self-esteem suffered. I only got better and found my lost passion for the sport by slowly getting back into it.  It’s about finding your movement, the physical activity that fills you with joy; this will be the force to guide you away from mental health un-wellness to a healthier mental state.”

Following his retirement from professional diving, Leon has been talking openly about his personal experience with mental illness. More recently, he took part in a TEDx live event with a speech aimed to help people realise how regularly engaging in a long-term physical activity that they enjoy can be an effective intervention on mental health issues.  As Covid-19 spread around the World, with the Olympics rescheduled and with everyone on lockdown; Leon found himself having to think and adapt his career.  He quickly created an online concept for those who wanted support both with their fitness and mental wellbeing.  Mindset and Movement was born.    Leon’s aim is to help people think better, feel better and move better.  The classes are held 3 times a week on line.