A PERSONAL trainer is combining fitness and cognitive behavioural therapy to help people with their mental health, including bullied children.

Adam Claxton, of Worcester, manages Pads with Ad, which is a fitness group that also focuses on strengthening the mind.

 

Mr Claxton, aged 36, said: “In 2015 I went on a journey to find out who I was and what my purpose in life was. After attending many business presentations and webinars, and with my love of motivational videos, I set up my Pads with Ad business in 2017.

"The aim is to help people become fitter without the stigma of being at the gym.”

Many of Mr Claxton’s clients have experienced mental health issues and, through their training, they have been encouraged to adopt a more positive outlook on life.

“My clients were getting results because they were in better control of their minds," Mr Claxton said.

"My mission is to encourage people to become better versions of themselves. I believe hitting pads relieves stress and training with like-minded people is a way to combat mental health.”

Mr Claxton’s youngest client is a five-year-old, while his oldest is 57.

“I train children with a lack of confidence due to being bullied, people with mental health illnesses and I’ve worked with autistic children also,” he said.

Mr Claxton is a newly qualified cognitive behavioural therapist.

He said: “There is a demand in mental health services. The NHS referral procedure is long and from what I am told by clients, some of which waited over 18 months for cognitive behavioural therapy, talking to a stranger that churns through the list isn’t pleasant, and it also loses that personal touch.

“I’m now taking my passion to help people further by launching CBT Online, which is a seven-week webinar programme to help people understand their behaviours, emotions, thoughts and feelings and how to channel them.”

See padswithad.com