Hi, I’m Amy Mason, the voice behind Fitness of the Mind. This website evolved from humble beginnings in 2014. Although I used to run track in high school and college, it wasn’t until a few years ago that running truly changed my life. After surviving a traumatic car crash, I was struggling with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Before the accident, I’d been chipper and outgoing. Suddenly, I was afraid to leave the house. I began researching natural ways to reduce anxiety and, after learning how exercise impacts mental and emotional health, I decided to return to my first love: running.
I started by taking my Great Dane, Burly, for longer jogs around the neighborhood each day. Gradually, I increased until I was running 30 minutes per day, four days per week. After several weeks, my energy levels, concentration, and sleeping habits had improved. I started competing in local 5k and 10k races while adding lower-impact activities like yoga and swimming to my workout routine, too. Today, I’m thrilled to say that my depression and anxiety are gone. I’m happy, healthy, and I haven’t had a panic attack in years. Best of all, my body and mind feel rejuvenated. I started this site to help others in their own health journeys. Whether you’re facing a physical, mental, or emotional health condition, you deserve to thrive.