Men's Health Month: The Impact Of Exercise On Men's Mental Health

Mental Health Benefits Of Exercising

Exercise For Depression
If you are struggling with mental health challenges, specifically depression, your doctor will most likely recommend a regular exercise program to help improve your symptoms before resorting to medications. Many studies have shown that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication. In addition to relieving depression symptoms, maintaining an exercise schedule can also prevent you from relapsing. Exercising promotes all kinds of changes in the brain including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calmness and well-being. It also releases endorphins, your body’s “feel good” chemicals in the brain that energize your spirits and make you feel good. This feel-good feeling is often referred to as a “runner's high.”

Exercise For Anxiety
Just like for depression, exercising is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. Working out allows you to relieve tension and stress while boosting mental and physical energy. The key to exercising to relieve anxiety is by staying focused on just your workout without zoning out or letting in distractive thoughts. For example, focus on your breathing during your exercises to get out of your head or by paying extra attention to which muscle groups you are activating during a certain exercise. By adding this mindfulness element, you will not only improve your physical condition faster, but you will also be able to interrupt the flow of constant worries running through your head. 

Exercise For Stress
Have you ever noticed how your body feels when you are stressed? You may notice your muscles tense up especially around the shoulders and neck leaving you with sore muscles and even headaches. You may feel tightness in your chest, insomnia, heartburn, and just an overall feeling of discomfort. The worry and discomfort of all these symptoms of stress can in turn lead to even more stress, creating a vicious cycle between your mind and body. Exercising is an effective way to break this cycle as well as prevent it from happening again in the future. Physical activity helps muscles relax while relieving tension in the body. Your body and mind are closely linked, therefore when your body feels better, so will your mind. 

Exercise For ADHD
Exercising regularly is a powerful tool to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. Physical activity boosts the brain's norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine levels, all of which affect focus and attention. In this way, exercise works in much the same way as many ADHD medications.

Improve Your Mental Health By Working With A Personal Trainer

Mental health awareness has increased in recent years to reduce social stigma and help individuals understand what resources they have to improve their mental health. One of the most talked-about and beneficial mental help aides that is accessible to everyone is exercise. Exercising has traditionally been associated with the physical improvements it can have for a person, however, the mental health benefits are just as pronounced. Regular exercising can do wonders in improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and even ADHD. Even if you are not suffering from a mental health problem, regular physical activity can still offer a welcome boost to your mood, outlook, and mental well-being. 

At Jensen Fitness, our personal training, fitness coaching, and weight loss programs will provide you with all of the support you need to achieve your personal goals while helping you sustain your new healthy habits for the long term and improve your overall health. To start your weight loss or fitness journey, contact our team of personal trainers in SE Calgary by calling 1-403-200-0199 or by filling out our online contact form.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to feel the mental health benefits of exercising?
A: You will be able to feel the mental health benefits right away! After completing a workout, you will feel a sense of accomplishment as well as feel your mood improve and reduce anxiety. 

Q: Can a personal trainer help train to improve my mental health?
A: Yes, a personal trainer will be able to help you improve your mental health by designing a workout program that will help you reach your goals. 

Q: How many times should I exercise per week?
A: It is recommended that everyone gets at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, however, if you are embarking on your fitness or weight loss journey, you should be going into the gym at least three times per week.