Get on FORM MCR…join our game changing challenge!

This week we caught up with Joe Wooding from FORM MCR, our new partner, who’re supporting our local mental health services through awareness raising and vital fundraising this September.

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Can you tell us all about FORM MCR? FORM MCR was founded in 2017 by Libby Smith and Ben Wood to show Manchester there’s a better way to approach fitness. They created a safe space focused on delivering sustainable results that fitted around real lives. Initially we offered 1-1 personal training, but today FORM MCR is home to a thriving group personal training model, as well our own Yoga and Pilates studio. The core the mission remains the same – to challenge the fitness industry and make a genuine difference. In an often-intimidating ‘fitness’ world, FORM was built to feel like a second home, a welcoming environment where people can achieve life-long health and confidence. Despite growing in size and impact, the team remains intentionally small and close-knit. Seven of us deliver everything we do across all areas. I joined the team 4 years ago and developed our group training model called RELOAD, building a community of like-minded people who are striving together to rediscover their potential and push for more.

Why are you supporting Manchester Mind? When it came to choosing a charity for our Autumn event Manchester Mind stood out as the perfect partner. We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that the two go hand in hand. The work Manchester Mind does to support people in our city – the city we’re proud to call home – is something we find inspiring. By supporting Manchester Mind we see another opportunity to further our mission…making a real, lasting difference to the health and wellbeing of everyone living locally.

How will the charity relationship make a difference? Combining movement, community and purpose is a powerful way to create change, and that’s what this partnership will do. Our charity fitness challenge (Formation Games Day) on 20 September is not only raising vital funds, but also awareness to connect physical and mental wellbeing. The more people we reach, the more we break the stigma by starting open, honest conversations. This partnership is not just one day.  It’s about building a stronger, healthier Manchester and we’re proud to play our small part.

Formation Games Day sounds exciting, tell us more! We have designed “Formation Game Day” to be suitable for everyone, bringing together our strength, stamina, and spirit. All workouts can be scaled for different fitness levels – this is about showing up, pushing hard and having each other’s backs in aid of a great cause!  You can expect a community-driven competition with big energy; working in small teams, you’ll complete 6 x 5-minute blocks of maximum effort activity, with 5min rest between each. Participants enter as a team of 4 or an individual (a team will be created for you).  We’ll have onsite food & drink vendors plus free gifts for participants.  There’s recover & relax post event yoga sessions and a sports massage and recovery area too. Whether you’re there to compete, support or just soak in the atmosphere, please join us!

What is the most important thing you wish to share about fitness for better mental health? Fitness doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective. Every physical activity can support better mental health. Moving your body regularly, even in simple ways, can have a huge impact on how you feel day to day. It’s not about chasing perfection or pushing yourself to the limit – it’s about creating space to clear your head, build confidence, and feel more in control. Fitness can be an anchor, a positive outlet when life feels chaotic. And when you pair that with a supportive community around you, it becomes even more powerful. That’s why we do what we do. It’s not just about looking better; it’s about feeling better and showing up as your best self, inside and out.

Any final thoughts? At FORM MCR everything we do is built around community, sustainability and support. We believe fitness goes beyond just physical results – it helps people feel better, builds confidence and improves overall wellbeing. Partnering with Manchester Mind is a natural extension of that mission. Together, we’re showing that looking after your mental health is just as important as moving your body, and that both are more powerful when done in a positive environment. Our charity event is more than just a workout, it’s a celebration of movement, mindset and community! If we can help even one person feel more connected, more confident, more supported, then we’re doing something right. Do something positive for yourself in aid of Manchester Mind and look forward to seeing you on 20 September.

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Our sincere thanks to everyone at FORM MCR for their pro-active support of our local services. Feeling inspired? Register your place!  A percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to Manchester Mind 🙂

Once registered you can gather sponsorship via the Formation collective page, or track individual fundraising by creating your own Just Giving page.

To find out more about FORM MCR visit https://formmcr.com