Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/25/2016 -- North Carolina-based Wellness Center Excel Body Fitness donated towards making Foundation of Hope's Walk for Hope in Raleigh a reality this month. The annual event was held this year on October 9, 2016 just one day after World Mental Health Day – a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. 100% of the money raised by participants directly funds local mental health research at the UNC Neurosciences Hospital in Chapel Hill. However, Excel's contribution towards the event is but one small show of how the North Carolina fitness center takes mental health seriously.

Excel believes that mental health and physical fitness can cross in many ways. For one, some issues related to mental well-being are offset by physical activity and exercise which can improve arenas such as mood, energy, outlook, and more. They recognize, however, that some mental health issues certainly are something an individual simply cannot improve through exercise and instead may need medication as prescribed by a doctor, professional therapy, and other treatments. The struggle that comes into play for many folks who live with mental health conditions is that they face judgment, scrutiny, and misunderstanding on a daily basis. There is not only a lack of open-mindedness towards mental illness in many environments, but even hostility, negativity, and stigmatism.

At Excel Fitness, all staff strive to create the opposite of this environment. Excel lives up to their philosophy that there's a connection between mind and body that can't be escaped. Excel is about encouraging health with a holistic approach – whether it's diet, exercise, rest, hydration, or as stress-free an environment as possible. Excel staff recognizes that mental health is a real issue in the world and that there are many places where there is complete unawareness and misinformation on the subject. Many individuals are uncomfortable even mentioning they have a condition around friends, families, and co-workers, but everyone who comes through Excel's doors need not feel apprehensive in any way. Every human wants to function and thrive and be supported and support others and, when it comes to mental health, this is something that is often not emphasized (and, at times, even neglected) within the fitness industry.

"We feel that if more companies employed this kind of attitude and open-mindedness, they would see a surge in productivity. When you treat people like people and really show a willingness to understand where they're coming from and to work with them, morale increases and retention is higher," shared Excel Body Fitness co-founder and -owner Pantea Dougani. "All this ultimately builds on a strong, more united, and less stressed company. At Excel, this environment of acceptance, understanding, and unity is what we strive for each day not only with our employees but everyone who comes through our doors."

Nutrition advice, success coach, physical therapist, personal trainers, yoga, massage therapy, and a host of other programs are available at Excel making it a truly all-around health center that focuses not just on the body but the mind as well. To learn more, visit http://www.excelbodyfitness.com.

About Excel Body Fitness (XBF)
Excel Body Fitness (XBF) began in 2010 as a quest for the best fitness regime possible: the most-effective muscle-confusing workouts, the most challenging body sculpting classes, the most intense high-energy programs, and the best fat-burning martial art style cardio-kick boxing workouts. They offer personal training in a group setting as well as private personal training, spin classes, kickboxing, Zumba, Bootcamp classes, nutritional guidance, and more! One of the Triangle's most sought-after fitness programs, Excel was designed with one thing in mind: client success. Excel Body Fitness focuses its regime on what matters most – providing fitness classes, dedicated hands-on instruction, nutritional guidance and one-on-one mentoring that enable clients to accomplish their health and fitness goals. The end result is highly effective fitness program that empowers clients to look, feel, and live better. They also provide on-site fitness for corporations as well as massage therapy and ergo presentations.

www.excelbodyfitness.com
919-677-8585