Did you know that personal training can be the perfect way to work on your mental health? Discover in this article how exercise can benefit your mind and why personal training may be the solution!
Many factors in our lives can impact our mental health: work stress, a busy social life, financial concerns, parenting, or politics. Global surveys show that more people are experiencing (physical) complaints related to mental health.
Exercise for mental well-being
Exercise can be a powerful tool to protect mental health. Physical activity can improve your mood, as various studies consistently associate it with reduced symptoms of depression, aggression, anxiety, and negative emotions.
The importance of quantity
A large-scale 2018 study in America even revealed that exercise has a greater impact on mental health than income: physically active individuals feel as good as those who are inactive but earn around $25,000 more per year. However, it's essential to find the right balance as the benefits of exercise plateau for those who engage in intense workouts for over 90 minutes. Exceeding 3 hours can even become detrimental. Individual circumstances play a role, and it's essential not to overburden your body. Seeking professional assistance and guidance through personal training can be the solution!
6 Tips
Here are some tips on how exercise can improve your mental health and how personal training can contribute:
1. Be consistent: Establish a training routine by scheduling regular exercise sessions. By doing so, you reduce the chances of skipping workouts or making excuses. Treat it as an investment in yourself, knowing that the positive effects will emerge after consecutive training sessions. Each workout counts!
2. Prioritize strength training: Keeping your muscles actively challenged is crucial for maintaining strength and mobility. As we age, muscle mass naturally decreases, leading to reduced strength, stability, and mobility. Maintaining and training muscle strength not only prevents injuries but also has an overall positive impact on your quality of life. Additionally, strength training helps your body cope with stress and high cortisol levels. A personal trainer can provide exercises tailored to your specific needs and guide you to perform them correctly and safely.
3. Be mindful with cardio workouts: If you experience high levels of stress in your daily life, be cautious with overly intense cardio workouts, as they may exacerbate your body's stress response. Ultimately, this can contribute to more stress instead of improving your mental health. To prevent dreading your workouts due to lack of desired results, consider interval training or low-intensity workouts. These forms of exercise will not strain your body excessively but still increase beta-endorphins, leading to an improved mood. Personal training can help you find exercises that suit your individual situation.
4. Embrace mind-Body exercises: Research has shown that mindful activities like yoga or tai chi - a form of meditation - can improve mental outlook and reduce anxiety. Breathing excersises are also an excellent option. These practices help you connect with your body and stimulate the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system. Engaging in sports that foster this mind-body connection lowers the stress hormone cortisol, promoting relaxation.
5. Make an appointment: Set up accountability! Exercise with a friend or choose a personal trainer to provide professional guidance. Making a commitment will increase your likelihood of sticking to your resolutions and not skipping workouts. Moreover, being with others can create a sense of connection, which also contributes to better mental health.
6. Lastly, enjoy yourself! Engage in activities you enjoy; they will have a more significant impact on your happiness, provide satisfaction, and help you stay committed in the long run. Laughter triggers the release of brain chemicals that promote relaxation, making it an excellent way to reduce stress!
