This is another in a series of articles intended to expose our readers to pertinent information regarding their fitness efforts. It is produced mainly on the basis of research done by Rodriguez “Rodja” Constantine, owner of REPTS (Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists) and co-producer and host of THE FIT FACTOR on Rhythm Fm (95.5).Rodja has over 20 years experience in the field.
MENTAL BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
From improving your heart health to toning your tush, we all know about the numerous physical and aesthetic rewards of working out. Yet many of us don’t realize that exercise can play a very important role in mental health also.
In recent years, mounting research has show the effects of exercise on cognition, memory, mood, self-confidence, stress levels and overall happiness. Here are the top five mental health benefits of exercise.
Takes Your Stress Away Prolonged or intense stress can have a very damaging effect on both the body and mind. It has been linked as one of the causes for a number of both physical and mental health issues. One of the best, easiest and cheapest ways to relieve stress is with a good workout. Exercise increases the release of a number of chemicals including norepinephrine, which can help to regulate how we deal with stress. Exercise can also help relieve anxiety and has been a big part of many therapy protocols for people suffering with anxiety disorders and depression.
Gets You High Exercising stimulates endorphin production in many different areas of the body, such as the brain and spinal cord. When released into the bloodstream, these endorphins can have a few different positive effects on the body. They can act as a painkiller providing a soothing, calming effect as well as a sense of happiness or even euphoria. Exercise also stimulates the release of the feel-good chemicals; adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine.
Boosts Your Brain Working out is not only for building beauty or brawn, it’s also great for building brains. Exercise has been shown to help improve brain function and performance as well as stimulate the development of new brain cells. By our mid-20’s, key parts of our brains that control memory and learning start to deteriorate. Exercise has been shown to slow and even reverse this deterioration. Just like with muscles, exercise can help strengthen neurons in the brain, making them more flexible and nimble. It also helps sharpen memory, improve problem-solving skills and learning.
Makes You Feel Like a Million Bucks You don’t need to drastically change your body to start to feel better about yourself when working out. Exercise can improve mood, boost self-esteem and increase happiness with even the slightest gains. Studies have shown that people who exercise overall have a more positive self-image and higher perception of self-worth and attractiveness that those who don’t.
Pumps Up Your Productivity Research has shown that workers who exercise regularly outperform co-workers who don’t. Exercise makes you both more productive and creative. Not only does it increase energy levels, it improves concentration and cognition. Morning and midday have shown to be the best times for office workers to get their workout fix. Put it down to good old-fashioned competitiveness, but another added productivity benefit of exercise is that it can inspire others to not only improve their health and fitness, but also their work performance.
Sources:NCBI
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Medical NewsDay
Next week: Nutrition 101 – Weight Training key to controlling abdominal Fat
In the meantime here’s a fitness programme to help you shed unwanted pounds, trim excess body fat, and sculpt a lean body. Each week, the workouts will become progressively challenging to keep you motivated toward your fitness and weight loss goals. Each exercise should be performed in sequence with one day of rest in between and each should eventually be completed within 30 to 45 minutes. This programme is FREE and available by email to all readers. Personalized programmes are also available for a nominal fee. Subscribe to our website at reptsfitness.com to receivethis week’s workout FREE, or contact us via our website to request your FREE personalized workout programme for one body part of your choosing (i.e. arms, legs, glutes, etc.). Simply provide a brief description of what kind of results you would like and we’ll do the rest. You may also contact Rodja) or visit our website at reptsfitness.com or our facebook page at faceboook.com/repts.fitness for more information and videos.
Rodriguez”Rodja” Constantine is a Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Consultant and owner of REPTS ( Registered Exercise Professionals & Therapists), a Personal Wellness studio located in Rodney Bay opposite to the north bound Rodney Bay bus stop by RJ Clarke. Rodja has over 20 years fitness experience and through REPTS offers all inclusive upgradeable wellness packages (Personal and small Group Training, Body Analysis, Nutrition Counseling and Planning, NutriCare, FREE Gym Membership, Physio Fitness, and etc.) for one affordable monthly fee. Rodja also designs long term fitness plans and short term workout routines for use at home, your current gym, or when travelling. We invite you to visit REPTS for a free consultation and a tailored program that will best help you achieve your fitness goal. You may call at anytime at 758-722-3763 during business hours (4:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.) to schedule an FREE consultation and trial session. In addition to training at our Rodney Bay Studio. Call for details.