Last month, MYX Coach Shaun Patrick Tubbs approached the company’s president and co-founder, Heberto (Herbie) Calves, with a partnership idea he thought would reflect a natural meeting of hearts and minds.
“I asked Herbie if MYX might consider supporting the H.O.P.E Center in Harlem, which provides quality mental health services to the community,” says Shaun. “Too often, health is viewed simply as a physical pursuit, and we forget the necessary value of addressing our mental wellbeing. Because we're doing such incredible work at MYX — our platform not only supports our members’ physical health but also their emotional health too — I felt that we could do even more good by lending our support directly to people on the front lines who are caring for the communities in which we live.”
At MYX we strive to give back to organizations that are creating a lasting, positive change in their communities. We believe that healthy bodies support happy minds, and that building physical strength supports inner resilience, and courage. Given that optimistic support and encouragement are what MYX and the H.O.P.E Center do best, the partnership was clearly aligned—and made perfect sense.
The past year has stretched us all to our limits — a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 40 percent of Americans have experienced COVID-related mental health issues. “The strain of the pandemic, and the ongoing fight for social justice, has taken an especially huge toll on my community,” Shaun says. “I’ve seen it firsthand in Harlem. The mental and emotional fatigue that communities of color face can be crippling, if not overwhelming. Places like the H.O.P.E Center are much more than necessary, they're essential. And those who work there deserve the same kind of unwavering support that they show others.”
“Partnering with MYX was a no-brainer for [us],” says Dr. Lena L. Green, DSW, LCSW, CLC, Executive Director of the H.O.P. E Center. “Research shows that exercise positively improves mental health. Working out and other forms of physical activity can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Having MYX as part of the H.O.P.E Center family helps us focus on the whole person, recognizing mental health as part of overall health and fitness.”
MYX Brings Mindfulness and Movement to the Harlem Community
A wealth of research confirms the mental health benefits of both moving your body, and practicing mindfulness. They include greater self-confidence and resilience, less negative rumination, and reduced stress. MYX will bring several of their signature workouts for body and mind to the H.O.P.E Center, starting this month.
Beginning February 16th through April 20th, a rotation of MYX coaches will take over the H.O.P.E Center Facebook live every third Tuesday of the month at 12 pm ET for a 30- to 45-minute MYX Mindfulness Movement session. Shaun will kick off the program this month with a self-love meditation, which he says “encourages you to take a moment to meditate on the value of self-love by putting your physical, emotional, and mental well-being first.” Here’s the lineup over next three months:
February 16th - Shaun leads a Self-love Meditation.
March 16th - Dyan leads a Healing Sound Bath Meditation using Tibetan Singing Bowls. Sound baths have been shown to encourage relaxation, relieve stress, reduce anger and frustration, and boost immunity.
April 20th - Donna leads a Restorative Stretching + Yoga class, incorporating stretching, mindful moments, breathing and meditation. The class is appropriate for all levels.
Our MYX members are invited to join these classes by logging in at the appropriate times to www.facebook.com/hopecenterharlem.
“We all know that exercise makes us feel good, so it is good practice for mental health professionals to suggest combining exercise with clinical treatment,” says Dr. Green. “As experts in behavior change, we are uniquely positioned to help people get motivated to move to improve their mood.”
About H.O.P.E
The acronym H.O.P.E stands for Healing on Purpose & Evolving, and the center offers solution-focused therapeutic services to adults in the Harlem community who are navigating the emotional landscape of life. The center embraces a holistic approach to healing— taking into account physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing—and personal evolution, whether at home, at work, or within society. Free services are offered for individuals, couples, families and groups during the day and evening.
“I am in deep appreciation for the services they provide to this community,” Shaun says. “I’ve always believed that if you want to support your community, support those who support its health.”
