Most everyone knows the physical benefits of exercise: accelerated metabolism, lower blood pressure, increased lean muscle mass... the list goes on and on. Countless studies have documented the many ways in which exercise is just plain good for your body.
In recent years, we have seen a growing number of studies that report the mental, emotional and psychological benefits of exercise.
There has been a great deal of research done on the physiological effects of exercise, and you may have heard or read about how exercise causes your body to produce endorphins, which have a positive effect on mood and attitude, resulting in a feeling of overall "well-being". The processes triggered within the human body during exercise are extremely complex, and frankly, not completely understood even by modern science. There are countless articles, white papers and books dedicated to this topic, and there is still some debate as to the nature and extent of mental, emotional and psychological benefits of exercise.
Don't worry, this article is NOT about endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds and how they're secreted by the pituitary gland!
We don't need exhaustive quantitative data or an advanced degree in biology to prove to us that exercise provides tremendous benefits to THE WHOLE YOU: we know this for a fact thanks to personal experience and from feedback from dozens of our clients.
Exercise improves our emotional and mental well-being in several ways:
Positive Mood:
Everyone knows a positive outlook improves quality of life. When you know that you're engaged in an exercise program that will improve your overall wellness, and you see results in the way you look and feel, how can you NOT be positive!
Self Esteem:
When you look better and feel better, and are in a more positive frame of mind, your self esteem is elevated. Nothing can boost your self esteem like feeling leaner, fitter and stronger. This beneficial impact triggers a positive cycle: when your self esteem rises, you WANT to take better care of yourself.
Stress Relief:
Recent generations are learning more and more about the devastating effects of stress on our minds and bodies. Stress contributes to so many maladies it would be difficult to list them all in this short space. Bluntly, stress can be a killer. The good news is that it's been proven time after time that exercise is an excellent antidote for stress. Physical activity relieves stress, reduces anxiety and provides an outlet that improves overall balance.
More Restful Sleep:
In addition to- and because of- the benefits listed above, people who exercise also enjoy more restful sleep, which in turn improves alertness, attitude and mental acuity.
In summary, exercise is obviously good for your body, but it is also good for your mind, your attitude, your overall well-being: in other words, THE WHOLE YOU!
Pete Bellisano is a certified personal trainer and owner of Peak Performance Fitness in Berkeley Heights NJ. Peak clients are achieving outstanding results losing weight and improving overall fitness, through our unique approach to Fitness For Real People. Visit our site to see what our clients have to say about their success, and to pick up your free fitness info. [http://www.peakperformancenj.com]
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