On your marks, get set, go . . . for the start of National Workouts & Wellbeing Week. This annual awareness event gets underway on the 23rd of March with people all over the UK encouraged to look after their mental health through physical activity, meditation and leisurely pursuits. Many keep fit fanatics have already begun their new regimes. Anytime Fitness has partnered with mental health charity Mind to launch the Week by offering access to free workout sessions in more than 160 of their clubs.

The branches across Britain will also host talks, wellbeing sessions and competitions to highlight the strong link between exercise and mental wellbeing.

Exercise can improve emotions and raise self-esteem, as well as counteracting a poor diet and the problems associated with being overweight.

Knowsley Safari has also relaunched free exercise classes for primary schoolchildren following the success of its initiative in 22 schools across St Helens. More than 1800 kids took part in the first Move Like Me sessions, which saw them imitating animals in fun and physical workshops.

The new ‘Move Like Me: Expedition Exercise’ classes, which run until April 3, also cover sustainability and conservation. Meanwhile, NHS gym sessions are being offered to thousands of newly diagnosed cancer patients before they start chemotherapy. The mix of high-intensity cardio workouts and strength-based training, plus nutritional advice and mental health support, has been given the title Prehab and will be available within 48 hours of diagnosis.

In Greater Manchester, 500 patients are already taking part, with 2000 more expected to sign up over the next two years. Similar programmes are also being held in Yorkshire and Leicester.

No matter where your starting point might be, National Workouts & Wellbeing Week is perfect for raising personal and community awareness and being mindful of how exercise can boost our mental health. In fact, some people enjoy working out so much they decide to make a career out of it and there’s a variety of fitness-related roles to choose from on x1jobs.

Whether it’s teaching cycling or swimming, Pilates or ping-pong, fitness instructors are the dedicated individuals who motivate us all to get up and get moving. Depending on which sport you want to work in, you’ll need the appropriate certification, specialist knowledge of anatomy and physiology and a solid understanding of the safety measures required to teach effectively. Fitness instructors should be passionate and enthusiastic, strong motivators and able to design personalised fitness programmes for students of all ages and abilities. Many paths lead into this sector, from apprenticeships to college diploma courses. You can even begin by helping at a gym’s reception or performing admin duties before moving into the gym itself.

As well enjoying perks such as free membership and spa discounts, for those with the staying power – both in the gym and in the office – there’s the chance to work towards becoming the manager of a gym or club. The art of meditation is also acknowledged as one of the best ways to invite calm and gentle exercise into our lives and, in turn, keep mental health in tip-top condition. While the premise is simple, meditation can be tricky to master alone and usually needs guidance. Meditation and mindfulness coaches are trained professionals who teach the techniques needed to practise effectively. Typically, coaches come from psychology, counselling or therapy background and have specialised knowledge of holistic health, with additional training in mindfulness. Key qualities required to excel in such a role include patience, excellent communication skills and the ability to form strong and motivational relationships. Alternatively, if you fancy yourself as the next Mitch Buchanan or CJ Parker of Baywatch fame, a role as a lifeguard could be perfect for you. Lifeguards are responsible for monitoring swimmers and water sports participants to ensure their safety, enforcing rules and assisting with swimming lessons and classes. It’s an important role that requires physical strength and strong attention to detail – lifeguards are tasked with maintaining equipment, keeping the pool area clean and orderly, and recognising signs of danger quickly. You’ll need a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification to get started but your work could quickly take you to luxury spas and exotic beaches all over the world.

Not every fitness-related job is hands-on, but the role of physiotherapist certainly is.

Sports stars are the first to acknowledge the important work in providing remedies for pains and strains. It’s no surprise healthcare is an in-demand sector to ensure sportsmen and women can maintain their peak fitness, both physically and mentally.

Of course, job seekers intent on finding employment in fitness and leisure need to get their own CV fighting fit for a new role from x1jobs.

Firstly, trimming the fat is essential. This means cutting out all those flabby bits that are not relevant. Don’t be afraid to be brutal! It also pays to highlight your work experience and any additional training you may have had. The leisure industry is competitive and always evolving so showing passion and a commitment to developing professionally is key. The sector is also all about helping people to better themselves, so adopt a positive tone throughout your resume.

The same goes for interview techniques – an upbeat attitude and showing off positivity and passion are vital for winning over prospective employers.

If you want to make this year’s National Workouts & Wellbeing Week work out for you, check out x1jobs for the best new positions in the world of fitness and leisure.