Although I’ve suffered from depression in the past, the only time I’ve needed to take medication was when I stopped exercising. When I did get back to exercise, while the physical benefits took around a year to become obvious, the mental health benefits were practically immediate.

So why doesn’t the health and fitness industry use this as a marketing tool? Why the unwavering focus on weight and physical appearance, which so frequently ends in disappointment – why not instead celebrate the fact that exercise will boost resilience, sleeping patterns, coping mechanisms, self-esteem and sense of wellbeing?

A shift in focus could lead to clubs connecting with, and helping, many more people – those who don’t understand what a profound and positive impact exercise can have on mental health.

Because this is a huge issue nationally: figures from the Centre for Mental Health show that work-related stress, anxiety and depression contribute to 35 per cent of all work-related ill health cases, making the financial cost to British businesses an estimated £26bn a year. This is a great opportunity for the fitness sector to reach out to the business community with innovative solutions.

So what could, and should, health and fitness operators be doing to proactively help people with mental health issues? We ask our panel of experts.