Facing Blue Monday Together: The 650 Challenge at Jones’ Fitness
Blue Monday is often called the “most depressing day of the year”. It falls on the third Monday of January, which in 2026 is Monday 20 January. The idea began in 2005, when a travel company claimed to use a formula based on weather, money worries, time since Christmas and broken New Year goals.
Today, scientists agree that Blue Monday is not real. There is no evidence that one single day is more depressing than any other. Even so, many mental health groups still use Blue Monday as a reminder. It’s a chance to pause, talk, check in with others and focus on looking after our mental health.
This year, Blue Monday was marked in a powerful and positive way at Jones’ Fitness in Biggleswade.
To raise awareness of mental health support, gym members took part in the tough 650 Myzone Challenge. The aim was to earn 650 Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) in one day. MEPs come from a wearable heart rate system that rewards effort, not fitness level. A normal monthly target is 1,300 MEPs, so hitting 650 in one day means completing half a month’s activity in just a single day.
It was hard. Very hard. But it was also inspiring.
Luke Newman, CEO and founder of ‘For Men To Talk’, took part in the challenge himself. He said:
“The 650 Challenge was tough, both physically and mentally. There were moments when I really felt it, but the encouragement and support from the incredible Jones’ Fitness community kept me going. It showed just how powerful people can be when they come together for a shared reason, even if they weren’t taking part in the challenge.”
That sense of community was felt throughout the day. Members pushed themselves while supporting one another, sharing encouragement and motivation. One participant said, “It was hard, but knowing everybody else was doing it spurred me on.” Another added, “Feeling great to have made a difference.”
Jones’ Fitness is built for all kinds of movement. The main gym space covers two floors, with cardio equipment and racks upstairs, and heavier weights and resistance machines downstairs. There is also a fully equipped studio with ten bays, plus a wide range of fitness classes. It created the perfect setting for a challenge that welcomed everyone, regardless of fitness level.
Why does this matter? Because being active helps our mental health. The World Health Organisation says adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, or 75 minutes of harder activity. Even small amounts help. A short walk is always better than doing nothing.
The challenge also helped raise awareness of ‘For Men To Talk’, a peer support group for men dealing with anxiety, depression, grief and other mental health problems. One of their local groups takes place in Jones’ Café Bar, next door to the gym. ‘For Men To Talk’ offers in-person groups, online meetings, walking meet-ups and fishing sessions. It’s about connection and knowing you’re not alone.
Blue Monday may be a myth, but how people feel in January is real. Cold, dark days can feel heavy. Events like the 650 Challenge remind us that movement, community and support can make a real difference.