A farming couple from the south-west of Scotland are helping to inspire farmers and crofters, and others working in Scottish agriculture, about the benefits of keeping fit.
Jacalyn Dunlop and Grant Neilson, who now run their own fitness business G&J Coaching, have volunteered their services to help agricultural charity, RSABI, promote the benefits of exercise to mental and physical health.
Jacalyn and Grant came first and third in their respective categories in the 2022 Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition, launched five years ago by Farmers Weekly to spark discussions about physical and mental health in farming.
Jacalyn, who grew up on Holehouse Farm, near Ochiltree, now works fulltime in the fitness business while Grant combines working on the family farm, Park Farm near East Kilbride, with fitness training.
The pair are delighted to be health and fitness ambassadors for RSABI and determined to help promote the benefits of regular exercise to people working in Scottish agriculture.
In a series of videos filmed for RSABI, the pair share their top tips, including how farmers can find time to keep fit and healthy and build looking after themselves into a non-negotiable part of their daily routines.
After the pair started training together, the mutual motivation and accountability they offered each other helped drive their fitness careers and has seen them both now become personal trainers.
Talking in their RSABI ambassador videos, Jacalyn and Grant discuss how staying active helps improve their mental wellbeing and promote routes to fitness that are both relatable and accessible for those working in agriculture.
RSABI has supported Britain’s Fittest Farmer for several years and entries are now open for the 2023 competition which aims to get farmers thinking and talking about their physical and mental health.
Farmers of all ages are invited to take part in one of three qualifiers throughout the UK including a new event for this year taking place at the Royal Highland Show on Sunday 25 June.
“We originally entered the fittest farmer competition on a bit of a whim and didn’t know what to expect from it as it was the first time either of us had entered,” said Jacalyn.
“The community the event brings together is incredible with a big focus on the importance of promoting fitness in farming. And the event really opens the floor to conversations around mental health.”
Before turning to fitness, Grant was struggling with his mental health after sustaining an injury playing rugby, leaving him unable to continue doing the sport he loved. He started training in the gym and working out to fill the void and found it was a release.
“I think when people start to look at the wider benefits of fitness – which for me personally would be strength and mental health benefits, rather than just as a way to lose weight – it becomes less of a chore and more of a choice which is when you can start to see the true value of it,” added Jacalyn.
“We’re passionate about encouraging more farmers to prioritise their fitness and help them understand the benefits they will get from dedicating some time in their day to being active, aside from farming.
“Many farmers find themselves sitting in a cycle of eat, sleep, farm repeat but it’s so important to create a bit of space between you and the farm – go for a walk, run, cycle, do an online workout, use the space and resources around you to work fitness into your every-day life.”
Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, thanked Grant and Jacalyn, who are also planning a new fitness competition for young farmers, for the work they are doing.
“Jacalyn and Grant are truly inspirational and we hope that by sharing their tips and advice more and more farmers and crofters will become aware of the benefits of looking after themselves both physically and mentally.
“That could be just making time to go for a walk, or going all out to take part in a challenge such as Britain’s Fittest Farmer. The main thing is to do something you enjoy and to take that first step!”
RSABI’s freephone confidential helpline – 0808 1234 555 – is open 24 hours a day, every day. The services offered include practical, emotional and financial support for people in Scottish agriculture. Importantly, RSABI can provide a free counselling service which, if urgent, can be arranged quickly after receiving the initial enquiry.
To find out more about Britain’s Fittest Farmer visit: https://www.fwi.co.uk/ms/events/britains-fittest-farmer/about/
Also, check out Jacalyn and Grant’s videos on our youtube site where they talk about this great initiative: