Our Beginnings

How it all started.

Started in 2016, Fitness for Mental Health is a not for profit organization, born from first hand experience navigating the Mental Healthcare System.

We recognize that there is a need to support individuals and communities by delivering fitness as treatment, and as an integral part of the journey to recovery.

1st Fitness Support Specialists 2017

A Brief History

  • Fitness for Mental Health is founded as a nonprofit organization in Toronto, Canada.

    2016

  • FMH partners with the Canadian Mental Health Association to develop Canada's first mental health specialization certification for fitness professionals

    2017

  • Inaugurual Fitness Support Specialist group certification is completed

    June, 2017

  • Partnership with Centre for Addiction & Mental Health begins

    September, 2018

  • FMH joins forces with Tara Leitch to initiate the nationally recognized Petition e-2035 into the house of commons

    February, 2019

  • FMH launches its first Community Resource Day event, in Oakville, ON

    May, 2019

  • The Covid-19 pandemic hits, FMH pivots to providing 'virtual' certification and fitness support services

    March, 2020

  • FMH launches their new "At Your Own Pace" certification to fitness professionals nation-wide

    February, 2023

Proud Partners

Fitness for Mental Health is proud to partner with Gifts of Light at CAMH: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres.

Founder - Jodie Becker

"What will it look like when FMH is a nationally recognized organization?"

Land Acknowledgement

Fitness for Mental Health was founded in Toronto, Canada, on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Anishinaabeg, including the Chippewas and the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Today Toronto is host to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Toronto is within the territory of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty which requires responsibility of those who use the land to share it peaceably and care for it.

Fitness for Mental Health acknowledges this responsibility and recognizes the efforts of these nations in maintaining the land.