The power of movement: improving your wellbeing by being active

Apr 15, 2026

While technology allows connection, knowledge and access to new opportunities, it can also often keep us sedentary – whether in our work or our personal lives. This means that we can often overlook one of the most effective ways to support our wellbeing - regular movement. From reducing stress to building social connections, physical activity plays a vital role in both our mental and physical health.

At Meridian Wellbeing, we’re proud to partner with Fit and Active Barnet (FAB), a local initiative helping residents access affordable, inclusive activities. By working together, we aim to make it easier than ever for people to move more, feel better, and connect with their community.

Funded by Barnet Council and run by Better.org, FAB connects people with local activities and events to help them be active and improve their wellbeing. With over 30 years of experience providing wellbeing activities to local people, at Meridian Wellbeing we know the value of being active.

Why physical activity is important for our mental health

There is strong evidence that staying active has a direct, positive impact on our mental health. According to the NHS, physical activity releases ‘feel-good’ hormones like dopamine that help reduce our stress, anxiety or fatigue, and improve our mood and energy levels.

Research published in the British Medical Journal also shows that regular movement can reduce the risk of depression and improve overall quality of life.

At Meridian Wellbeing, we provide a range of accessible exercise activities like Tai Chi, Pilates, and Chair Yoga to support both your mind and body. Activities like these are designed to help you feel calmer, more balanced, and in control.

You can find out more about these activities, including how to register, here.

Building connection through community activities

Physical activity isn’t just about fitness - it’s also about connection!

In fact, one of the key mental health benefits of movement is its ability to bring people together and reduce loneliness.

The NHS highlights that being active can help people connect with others and feel less isolated, which improves your overall wellbeing.

Through our partnership with organisations such as Fit and Active Barnet, St George’s Medical Practice and other local champions, including some with lived experience, Meridian Wellbeing provides opportunities for people to join group sessions, community classes, and social wellbeing activities. These spaces are designed to be low cost, inclusive and supportive to reduce the barriers to becoming active.

You can find out more about these activities, including how to register, here.

Our Wellbeing Cafés combine a welcoming space with meaningful social interaction – this helps people build confidence while forming new connections. The Cafés are run fortnightly in New Barnet and Hendon.

You can find out more about our Wellbeing Cafes, including how to register, here.

Small steps (sometimes literally) can make a big difference

Getting active doesn’t have to mean intense workouts or long gym sessions. In fact, small, consistent changes can have a great impact.

According to UK government data, being physical inactivity is linked to 1 in 6 deaths in the UK and costs the NHS and other services billions of pounds each year. This highlights how important Meridian Wellbeing and FAB’s work is by supporting people in moving more, even in simple ways.

Initiatives like FAB play a key role by offering free membership and discounted access to local activities, removing barriers and making movement more accessible.

At Meridian Wellbeing, we complement this by offering low cost, inclusive sessions tailored to all abilities, whether that’s gentle exercise, wellbeing workshops, or community-led activities. The focus is on creating a safe, supportive environment where everyone can take part at their own pace.

Take your first steps today!

Improving your mental health doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Often, it starts with one simple step - join one of our classes, meet new people, and move your body a little more each day.

Through our partnership with Fit and Active Barnet, and other community partners and community champions, Meridian Wellbeing offers a range of accessible, community-based activities designed to support your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

The first step(s)!

Why not explore our classes and wellbeing activities at Meridian Wellbeing!

You can find out more about Fit and Active Barnet's work in the latest episode of our popular podcast, The Word on Wellbeing. You can find it here or by searching The Word on Wellbeing wherever you find your podcasts.

And sign up for a Fit and Active Barnet card to access free and discounted sessions in our borough! You can access a number of discounted activities locally, including free swimming for carers, £1 swims for young people, and discounted admission to activities run by local organisations like Barnet Mencap.