Group Fitness – Personal Training – Massage
We know exercise is good for your body, but just as importantly, it’s good for your mental health with many studies showing that improving your physical health also improves your mental health.
Little or no physical exercise can increase the risk of depression, and a poor diet can decrease your sense of wellbeing, so regular exercise and physical activity should be part of any mental healthcare.
There is a good reason why exercise is recommended for improving mood. It’s those endorphins; the chemicals our body releases when we get moving that contribute to a feeling of wellness post exercise. But it doesn’t stop with a post workout good mood. Exercise improves your alertness, makes everyday movement easier and improves sleep.
Any amount of exercise is better than none, and for those who are currently sedentary, the gains will be felt with even small additions in physical activity. Health experts recommend 30 minutes or more at least three times a week, remembering that it is longer term adherence to exercise that is more important than how long you move in a single session.
Physical activity challenges both the mind as well as the body, as learning new skills increases brain activity. This means that instead of fearing a new gym exercise, or worrying about feeling uncoordinated in a group exercise/aerobics class, these activities should be embraced. Even better news is that exercising in a social setting will also contribute to an improvement in mood through having interaction and hopefully fun with others.
It’s often hard to get motivated to exercise and be active when you are feeling low, but the benefits far outweigh the effort.
References: http://www.neurological.org.nz/brain-health/stay-active
FROM: REPS MEDIA RELEASE 7 JULY 2015