How Fitness Helps Mental Health
Physical fitness has always been a crucial element of a healthy lifestyle and with regular exercise, recent research has highlighted it's essential in promoting both mental and physical benefits.
Exercise has been shown to have numerous positive effects on mental well-being. Physical exercise can aid in reducing anxiety, stress, and depression levels, in addition to enhancing cognitive function, self-esteem, and mood. By staying physically active, you can use exercise as a powerful distraction, interrupting the negative thinking patterns that can feed depression.
So, if you're looking to boost your mental health and overall well-being, come to a Training Day gym near you today and experience the physical and mental benefits of our rewarding exercise sessions.
How Much Exercise Is Necessary For Managing Mental Health Conditions?
As a general rule of thumb, the average individual should aim for at least thirty minutes of rigorous regular exercise a day to get their heart rate up and work up a slight sweat through physical activity which can boost energy levels during the day.
Incorporating more vigorous activities and exercise into a busy schedule doesn't always require lifting weights or implementing heavy resistance training exercises; simply engaging in brisk walking for thirty minutes a day or a quick bike ride can provide ample health benefits and improve overall fitness levels.
Research has shown that even small amounts of vigorous activity and exercise can positively affect both physical health and mental well-being. However, the amount needed to reduce anxiety and improve mental health can vary depending on factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health.
How Can I Learn To Exercise Regularly To Manage Any Mental Illness?
We recommend adults start their physical fitness journey the healthy way, by setting small, attainable exercise goals. Doing so will increase the likelihood of completing them, staying motivated, and realising the many benefits of exercise. Monitoring the benefits of exercise and tracking your progress can help you recognise the correlation between physical activity and your mental health.
It's best to participate in physical activities that you enjoy, whether it's a HITT workout or walking steadily on the treadmill it will be easier to stay committed to an activity that pleases you.
The Benefits Of Exercise For Mental Health
There are several benefits to using physical fitness and various exercise programs as a means of maintaining and regulating mental health and these can include:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Manages depression
Boosts self-esteem
Improves cognitive function
A good night’s sleep
Exercise can also function as a diversion, providing a chance for you to carve out some peaceful moments and interrupt the pattern of pessimistic thinking that can ultimately feed depression.
Types Of Exercises That Can Benefit Mental Health Issues
It's essential to choose an exercise routine or physical activity that you enjoy and that fits your lifestyle, as this will increase your chances of sticking with it over time. A combination of different types of exercise classes can also be beneficial for overall physical and mental health.
Below are some examples of exercise programs that you can partake in:
Aerobic Exercise
Activities that get your heart rate up and increase oxygen intake, such as running, martial arts, cycling, swimming, or dancing, are particularly effective in improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Strength Training
Resistance exercises, such as weightlifting, can help improve self-esteem, body image, and overall physical health, which can in turn positively impact mental health.
Moderate Intensity Exercise
Moderate-intensity exercise is a physical activity that gets your heart rate up and makes you breathe harder, but doesn't leave you completely out of breath and can reduce levels of anxiety, stress and depression.
Group Fitness Activities
Participating in group fitness classes or sports can provide social support and a sense of community, which can improve mental well-being.
What Are The Key Factors In Using Physical Activity To Maintain Mental Illness Or Mental Health?
Maintaining good mental health and overcoming obstacles mentally, requires a holistic approach that includes moderate physical activity and physical fitness as key components. There are several important factors to consider when using physical activity to maintain mental health, including consistency, variety, and proper self-care.
Consistency
To gain the mental health benefits associated with exercise, it's crucial to engage in regular physical activity. Whether you choose to work out daily or a few times per week, maintaining consistency is key to reaping the rewards.
Variety
It's also important to mix up your physical activity routine to avoid boredom and burnout. Incorporating a variety of different exercises and activities can help keep you engaged and remain motivated.
Listen To Your Body
It's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, as this can lead to injury and burnout, ultimately affecting your mental health in a counter-productive manner.
Physical Fitness Isn’t A Substitute For Professional Help
To maintain good mental energy healthily, physical fitness should be just one aspect of your daily routine, and a fitness centre can provide you with various equipment and classes to help you achieve your fitness goals. Other essential components include proper nutrition, social interaction, restful sleep, stress management, and social support. By taking care of yourself in these areas, you can better manage negative thoughts and maintain a positive outlook.
Incorporating regular physical activity into a broader healthy lifestyle can help maximise its mental health benefits, and a fitness centre can be an excellent place to start. However, it's essential to remember that moderate exercise is not a complete substitute for professional mental health care treatment.
While exercise can help promote self-confidence and mental well-being, it's crucial to seek help from a mental health professional if you are struggling with mental health issues. A fitness centre can be a helpful tool in your overall mental health plan, but it should not replace professional treatment.
Join Training Day For Boosts In Physical Activity And Mental Clarity
If you want to overcome obstacles and common barriers that life throws your way, watching television won't make it any easier. Instead, start exercising and stay active!
You can join our Training Day gyms in Clayton, Burwood and our new soon to open gym in Scoresby, where you'll find specialised workout routines to help you maintain a positive outlook on life. Our Training Day gym experts will be by your side to push you to reach your fitness goals. For more information on your nearest location, click here.