Decades Reloaded® – The World’s First Mental Health-First Fitness Training

When Decades Reloaded® first launched in 2019, it wasn’t just another dance fitness class—it was a lifeline. Born from Lucy’s lived experience of navigating mental health challenges, Decades Reloaded was designed to be more than movement. It was created to be a safe, supportive, and stigma-free space where mental health comes first, and fitness follows.

By 2020, the training program was in development, and in February 2021, Decades Reloaded delivered its first ever mental health-first instructor training—cementing its place as the world’s first of its kind.

So what makes Decades Reloaded different?

1. A Mental Health-First Approach

Unlike traditional fitness programs that focus on calories, weight loss, or aesthetics, Decades Reloaded has always put mental well-being at the core. Movement, music, and connection are the tools used to support participants through challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, and everyday stress. Classes are built on evidence-based strategies and real lived experience—making them both inclusive and powerful.

2. The Power of Nostalgia

Every class is fuelled by the anthems of the 50s through the 00s. Nostalgia isn’t just fun—it’s science. Music from our past has the power to spark memories, release dopamine and serotonin, and create “brain breaks” that give participants a chance to reset and feel joy.

3. Inclusive and Accessible for Every Body and Mind

No perfect dancers. No judgement. No barriers. Decades Reloaded is designed for anyone—whether you’re moving for your mind, body, or both. Freestyle movement, simplified choreography, and a culture of fun make the experience welcoming and empowering.

4. Built on Community and Connection

At its heart, Decades Reloaded is about togetherness. Participants sing, laugh, dance, and connect—breaking through the isolation that so often comes with poor mental health. Instructors are trained not only in choreography but also in creating supportive, stigma-free spaces where everyone feels they belong.

5. Instructor Training with Purpose

Since February 2021, Decades Reloaded has trained instructors to lead with compassion, awareness, and inclusivity. The training goes beyond teaching routines—it equips instructors with the tools to support participants’ mental health, challenge stigma, and create spaces where joy and belonging thrive.

6. Our Brand-New Training: Truly Inclusive Learning

As Decades Reloaded continues to grow, we’ve taken our pioneering training even further. Our newly relaunched instructor training doesn’t just focus on mental health awareness—it also ensures neurodiverse-friendly, accessible learning pathways for every kind of learner.

Whether you learn best by listening on the move, visually following slides, physically interacting with printed manuals, or using creative tools like colouring sheets and wellbeing breaks, we’ve built the journey to support you. This commitment reflects our belief that instructors, just like participants, deserve a training experience that adapts to them—not the other way around.

By championing accessibility in both movement and education, Decades Reloaded continues to stand out as a trailblazer—leading the way for what inclusive fitness and instructor training should truly look like.

Decades Reloaded is not just a fitness brand. It is the original mental health-first fitness movement.Born from lived experience. Backed by science. Built for every body, every mind, and every learner.