From Fitness Pioneers to Mental Health Champions | Victor and Lynne Brick
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Victor and Lynne Brick's story is a powerful testament to the profound connection between mental and physical health. Starting with a simple aerobics class accompanied by Simon and Garfunkel tunes, they have ascended to the heights of the fitness world as the largest franchisees of Planet Fitness and Founders of Brick Bodies. However, their journey is more than a tale of entrepreneurial success. It's a deeply personal one, rooted in the struggles faced by Victor's brother, who battled schizophrenia. This experience ignited a fervent commitment to mental health advocacy in the Bricks, steering them towards a mission that transcends physical fitness.
The heart of their advocacy beats through the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation, named in honor of Victor's brother. The foundation challenges conventional perceptions and treatment of mental health, advocating for a holistic approach that harmoniously blends physical wellness with mental well-being. The Bricks' transition from fitness enthusiasts to mental health advocates symbolizes a revolutionary shift in wellness philosophy. It emphasizes the importance of integrating physical activities and mental health strategies, offering a more comprehensive path to overall health.
The foundation's work is groundbreaking, particularly in its focus on incorporating healthy lifestyle practices into mental health care. Recognizing the limitations of traditional treatments like medication and psychoanalysis, the Bricks advocate for a more balanced approach, including exercise, nutrition, and mind-body disciplines. Their goal is ambitious yet attainable: to see these practices as vital components in mental health care, potentially reducing or even eliminating the reliance on conventional methods. The Bricks' vision is not just to change lives but to transform the entire landscape of mental health treatment, proving that the mind and body are inextricably linked in the journey toward wellness.
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