In a cardio tennis class there are lots of things to focus on – what my hands and feet are doing, how I hold the racquet, watching the ball. I shift into the present moment, and for that one hour, I am far away from my ruminative thoughts. Unlike gym or yoga, I am learning how to play a sport - something I’ve never done before. An achievement in itself! It’s a good feeling to learn new skills. There’s a real sense of community in these classes and this has helped me feel more connected and less isolated.

The group facilitators were amazing. I gained so much from these sessions and benefited greatly from the motivational information provided to us and I really enjoyed the exercise we did.

Thank you Cam and Mood Active for a wonderful fitness program.
Starting the day with exercise has made a difference.

When I moved to Australia I thought my dreams would come true and my problems would go away. I didn't prepare for the possibility I may become unwell, I didn't take out health insurance, seek a therapist or a doctor. I didn't know how to pay for all that and it took me months to get around to setting up medicare. However, the reality was that I did become unwell, very unwell, and was held on a psychiatric ward under the mental health act within weeks on moving to Sydney.
Luckily, I had been in touch with Mood Active in a bid to find an affordable alternative to expensive doctors and pricey gym memberships. At first, I joined as a means of staying active but in reality the program became much more. It created routine, support and motivation to stay active and stay well. I went from a couple classes a week to 4,5 sometimes 6.
Whilst living with type 1 bipolar disorder is, for me, still a daily struggle, I have found through the program a non-judgmental support system and, of course, access to fun means of keeping fit. Thank you to the City of Sydney for enabling me to gain so much.

Especially in the midst of tough times, I’ve relied on exercise to lift my mood and reduce anxiety. Whether it’s running a few beach laps with a mate, an hour on the tennis court, at a (free) outdoor gym, or just biking from A to B, it’s been my always-reliable stick for chasing away the Black Dog.

I found this a very safe and motivating space to openly talk about my issues. I would have not engaged in exercise if there wasn't the encouragement and accountability from this group

The mood active program was really useful for me... and the coaches were amazing very helpful and professional. Also the program helped me to build my confidence and to develop my self esteem.

I was in a position of weighing around 124 kg and leading a very reclusive life. My depression was controlling me. My psychologist suggested I contact Mood Active (Cardio Tennis) which I did. At first it was a real battle just to turn up at the events. Cam (trainer) was very open and has fostered this openness with the group. As such mutual understanding of the difficulties with mental health are understood by the group making it not a problem to speak about your own situation.
As a result of the exercise regime I have been able to maintain some regular exercise despite a lot of work on for 2 months. Now I don't have work for 6-7 weeks I will get back into the cardio tennis.
My motivation as a result of the mood active groups has been so much better. I now weigh about 116 kg.
Overall I attribute increased confidence and work activity, weight loss, higher motivation, increased social activity (could still improve a lot) to Mood Active

I've struggled with mental health since adolescents, clinical depression, then I had kids and it was PND, then a diagnosis of Bi polar.

The year leading up to my Mood Active experience I was on my knees with crippling anxiety and feelings of suicide.
The medication was getting upped and upped, SSRI, antipsychotics and the side effects where terrible.

I was walking out of a meeting with my
psychologist my husband picked up the leaflet and then began my journey.

Since I've been attending "Mood Active" and my life has turned around. I've started working p/t, volunteering, gave up the smokes and drastically reduced my medication.

Everything has just been falling into place. I seem to be able to handle what life throws at me, I have found this new form of discipline I thought I had lost many years ago.

Excercise - I don't take it seriously, just regularly.

The camaraderie and support that I received was a huge part of my recovery. I was dealing with a period of depression that was affecting every part of my life. While attending Mood Active classes, I began feeling stronger physically but also, emotionally. I was better able to make decisions and feel more confident. Cam and the Mood Active team are highly knowledgeable about depression and mood disorders – I could not have gotten through that extremely difficult time of my life without them.