HISTORY
The Mental Fit Path was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to get children and young people moving, to promote mental strength – and to build new bridges within society. People from elite sports, but also from the fields of culture, education, and science, share short video-based mental health tips directly within the movement-based parcours.
Movement plays a central role: It activates body and mind – and naturally opens access to mental health topics. At the same time, the path is designed to motivate young people to stay active in the long term and to discover sports clubs, groups, or physical activities.
In Austria, more than 680 paths have already been implemented – in schools, along hiking trails, in parks, and even in retirement homes.
In Germany, the network is growing as well, with initial installations in places like Olympic Park Munich, Aschaffenburg, and Nagold.
How it works ?
The Mental Fit Path is an interactive movement parcours with 8 stations that playfully promotes mental strength in children and young people. At each station, a simple physical exercise is combined with a personal mental message – shared by athletes and public figures from various areas of society.
Each station includes two QR codes:
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One links to a short video demonstrating the physical exercise.
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The other links to a video where the featured individual shares their personal approach to challenges such as self-doubt, fear, or pressure.
All exercises are also illustrated graphically so they can easily be performed without a smartphone.
The parcours is structured by age:
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Preschool children begin as little heroes who discover courage and joy in movement.
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Primary school children grow as fighters who recognize their own strengths and embrace challenges.
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Teenagers develop into masters who reflect on mental tools and pursue goals consciously.
Thanks to pre-punched holes, the Mental Fit Path can be installed anywhere – in schools, gyms, sports clubs, along hiking trails, or even in senior homes.
The goal is not only to strengthen children and adolescents mentally, but also to inspire them in the long term to enjoy movement and join a sports club.
A complete path – 8 exercises / 8 mental solution strategies
This creates a complete path, consisting of 8 athletes or personalities and their associated mental tips and physical exercises.
What does a Mental Fit Path achieve ?
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It promotes physical activity and mental strength in everyday life
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It shows that mental health is not a taboo topic
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It strengthens self-confidence, empathy, and problem-solving skills
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It brings role models into the everyday world of children
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It opens a creative channel for self-expression
Especially useful:
Teachers can also access the athletes' video content via the website and use it in the classroom – e.g., for reflection and discussion.
This way, the Mental Fit Path has an impact not only in public spaces but also as a valuable educational tool in schools.
The Cycle
Each athlete’s video message is an impulse – a personal story or a specific mental tip. These impulses resonate emotionally with the participants. They motivate, inspire reflection – and sometimes create the desire to give something back. From the athlete to society – and back again.
The cycle is complete when both sides feel heard and understood.
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