Psychological Benefits of Exercise is the value of exercise on the body is well known, you can lose weight, or if you so desire you can gain weight, you lose fat, you can gain muscle, and your body appears to look fitter and healthier, earning you admiration and attention.
What is not well known is the psychological benefits of exercise. Below is a brief list of the psychological benefits on your mind of exercise:
- The mood gets enhanced
- Stress reduction, and the ability to handle stress better
- Self-esteem improves, this happens because of the sense of achievement of being able to do something such as 100 push-ups or running for 26 kilometers, also as the body becomes fitter the feeling of well-being enhances
- The joy and positivity of increased physical fitness
- Enhanced self-worth
- Improved body image
- Increase in energy to be able to do day to day tasks
- Confidence increase
Depression and feelings of being low are reduced by exercising. So exercise regularly for 10 weeks (at least 3-5 times each week) to see the symptoms of depression reduce drastically. Research has shown that regular exercise can help give your mood a boost. Several recent studies suggest that; whether you lift weights or go for a run, working out can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. So if you are feeling low, depressed, sad or just unhappy go for a brisk walk, jog or lift some weights.
It is found that; bodybuilders, and fitness experts, tend to abuse their body less with drugs and alcohol compared to the general public. They also tend to eat healthier. But, the moment an individual starts to indulge in steroids to enhance their muscle growth, a new set of psychological problems arise. Around poor body image and low self-esteem, which need to be addressed.
Interestingly, the general public has this belief that a man or a woman with a “gym” body has lower IQ and are dismissive of their intellectual capabilities, while in fact, the reverse is most likely true. Research shows that cardiovascular exercise can increase brain cells, and a tough workout with weights increases a brain protein associated with decision making, higher thinking, and learning. Research also shows that working increases the memory power of the brain.
Post-exercise the individual is rewarded by a hormone called dopamine, the reward hormone, and dopamine provides a natural high, therefore reducing or eliminating the need to do illegal drugs or alcohol.
Gym goers sleep well, hence are less addicted to sleeping pills, and are less restless at night and sleep well.
Working out and going to the gym, whether for cardio or weights, will have positive effects far beyond the gym and looking better with or without your clothes on. Thus, by working out you can have an increase in self-confidence, positive mind frame and a smart thinking. There is no reason for not exercising on a regular basis.
