Vision Personal Training and beyondblue have teamed up on Vision Connect, a new digital exercise experience created to raise funds and awareness to help support people living with anxiety and depression.

Vision Connect will bring together Vision’s community of 10,000 clients and personal trainers to compete in a friendly 3-stage outdoor challenge, connected by wearable technology.

Starting 25th May, the company-wide fitness challenge runs for 6 weeks, leading up to a final 5km connected race on Saturday, 7 July 2018. Family and Friends can also join the final race, which will start simultaneously from Vision studios in dozens of locations across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and New Zealand.

“Many of us have experienced anxiety and depression, either personally or through family, friends or colleagues,” Georgie Harman CEO beyondblue says.

“Right now, three million Australians are living with anxiety or depression. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average, one in four people will experience anxiety at some stage in their life.

“Regular exercise and good nutrition can help manage mild depression. Exercising in groups or with a partner, like a personal trainer, can offer a sense of community and belonging, which can help improve mood,” Ms Harman says.

Ms Harman includes weight training and cardiovascular exercises into her weekly routine, and credits the community culture at Vision Personal Training Camberwell for making her regular exercise fun and effective.

“Vision is aiming to raise over $1 million for beyondblue. The Vision Connect event is an important step towards achieving that goal,” says Andrew Simmons, Founder and CEO of Vision Personal Training.

Vision Connect brings to life the all-important connection between mental health, community and physical activity.

Connected by GPS tracking apps, clients and personal trainers can take part in the friendly challenge. Participants can track their activity and results for each challenge, during the six-week journey leading up to the final race in July. The Vision Connect website will also reveal who is leading so participants can push their personal limits in a fun way.

In support of beyondblue, those who have registered for Vision Connect and donate $50 or more will receive a pair of red compression running socks to wear at the connected race on the 7th of July 2018. Conditions apply.

“We are dedicated to building a family spirit within our community and we are passionate about helping people live healthy, fulfilling lives. Exercise should be fun. Vision Connect is designed to connect people through physical fitness, while raising funds and awareness for an important issue that affects us all,” Andrew says.

To get involved visit https://au.runningheroes.com/visionconnect