There are days when your mental health may not be at its best, and that’s okay. On those days, you may find it challenging to get off the bed, much less spend time exercising. However, it’s important to remember that simple exercise isn’t just beneficial for your physical health. It also supports the stability of your mental health and may effectively ease symptoms of depression.
As a natural and effective antidepressant, custom fitness programs can boost your mental energy with the release of endorphins, or what’s commonly known as “happy hormones.” Its name speaks for itself—you can alleviate depression with endorphins by actively moving your body.
Exercise also helps you develop sharp attention and focus while helping you feel happier and sleep better. Moreover, research has shown that fitness activities improve your mental health by reducing depression or negative moods, which in turn help in boosting your self-esteem and cognitive function.
There are more ways how exercise helps you to enhance your mental health. If you would like to know more about the benefits of exercise to your mental health, make sure to read the whole article.
Exercise Helps in Depression Relief
Although exercise is not quite a cure for depression, a study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology showed that endorphin-pumping fitness training does help you feel happier.
Studies have shown that people who exercise are generally happier and more excited than people who are more sedentary. As heart-pumping workouts help you reduce stress and anxiety, they can be a great addition to your mental health treatment plan.
Below are examples of workouts you can try to help boost your mental health energy.
- Running
One excellent way to combat symptoms of depression is through cardio exercises such as running. When you perform at least 30 minutes of cardio each day, you allow your body to release endorphins stimulated that can make you feel happiness and even euphoria.
- Strength Training
Strength training may sound advanced for workout beginners, but it’s a simple way to build your muscles together with cardio. A study among 45 stroke survivors with depression found that a 10-week strength training program assisted in decreasing the symptoms of depression.
As strength training allows careful execution, you may need help from a personal trainer from a personal fitness studio near you.
- Yoga
A study on 65 women with depression and anxiety allowed 34 women to take yoga classes twice a week for two months while the remaining 31 did not participate in the class. The result of the study found a significant decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms among women who took the yoga class.
Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility while being mindful of your thoughts and feelings, which can then help reduce stress and depression. This type of exercise is also very beginner-friendly—you can even do it at home!
- Tai Chi
Tai chi is great for people just starting working out because of its slow pacing and gentle movements. Tai chi also involves social interaction, commonly done in a group setting, so this activity can effectively alleviate depression symptoms.
- Dancing
Another endorphin-inducing workout that is fun at the same time is dancing. This is an easy way to get the body moving while listening to your favorite jams.
Conclusion
There’s no pressure in trying hard to start your workout. If you need rest, you can take a mental health break. But if you’ve decided to begin becoming physically active, one way to start is by trying fitness training services. With the help of an expert, you can have a fitness buddy to support you along the way.
The Fit Factor is a private personal training studio in Wellesley, MA, that can help you achieve your fitness goals through customized training programs. We attend to our customer’s unique needs and tailor routines to help you boost your abilities. Get in touch with us by calling at (617) 872-0050 or sending an email to chadasnes@thefitfactorpt.com.
Chad has been my personal trainer for over 10 years. He is very dedicated and resourceful as a trainer. I would highly recommend Chad. He has kept my body healthy through all these years and in my 50s. Chad is also very accommodating to working with your schedule. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
I love working out with Chad! I have been working out with him for the past year and a half and have had the best results compared with other trainers. Chad’s dedication to his clients, humor, warmth and expertise are a winning combination. I look forward to our sessions and always leave feeling stronger, more flexible and energetic. I highly recommend Chad.
I have been working with Chad (the trainer) for almost three years now and have gone through an amazing transformation! He bonds greatly with his clients and is a very qualified trainer. He tailors workouts to individual clients and has helped me perform better as an equestrian and achieve my physique goals. If you are looking for a great one-on-one trainer, I would highly recommend.
When I started going to the fit factor I went in thinking I had a pretty good knowledge of weight lifting and exercise without having much to improve. I was so wrong! Chad was incredible and really took the time to explain and show proper technique as well as a variety of different exercises that I had never done before. I now have much more confidence in my form and have a really great and well rounded routine. Additionally, Chad catered to my personal goals and really listened to what I wanted to accomplish. I cannot recommend The fit factor and Chad enough!
I have been weight lifting for over five years but have never had dedicated instruction from a trainer. Chad was able to notice where my form was failing and correct it immediately. He also guided me towards effective exercises so that I could keep achieving my goals and moving up. After a couple of months of working with him I was able to see some great results. Chad knows his stuff!
Chad has been great with not only the types of specialized workouts each session but also with checking in after the sessions. He has a real passion for seeing people make big health changes; which makes it fun. Would highly recommend!
I went to Chad looking to get back in shape and lose weight, which had crept up from working long hours. Chad was super patient and non-judgmental. We started at a level where I would see results but not get so sore or so disappointed at what I could not do it. He focused on what I could do if I pushed myself hard and taught me that step/skill building was an integral part of the process. We also talked about nutrition and self-care. As other reviews have mentioned, he cares about his clients beyond the appointment time, and wants them to make positive change to their lives that will stick. I lost 30+ pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. I have been able to maintain this for 2 years. He taught me how to create a sustainable workout plan. Even during the pandemic I was able to maintain my weight and my fitness level thanks for his frequent check-ins and the solid fitness base we created through his work and fitness mentorship. I highly recommend him!
I started with Chad in August 2020, my first semester of college was cancelled and i needed something active to do. At that point I was a small underweight kid looking to gain muscle and gain weight. I went to Chad 3 times a week until late January 2021. Those 5 months were great, I really enjoyed going to chad and it was the highlight of my week and something I would look forward to going to 3 times every week. Throughout this time Chad has perfected my form on workouts and had a great and unique workout for me everytime. I went in weighing 125 pounds at 5’10 and now I weigh 150 pounds after the five months. Not only did Chad give workouts but he also gave me a diet for me to follow so I could maximize my time with him. He really personalizes workouts for each person. Currently i’m in the best shape of my life and am super confident in my body. GO TO FIT-FACTOR!!