WHY FITNESS IS GOOD FOR YOU.

Research has identified that regular exercise has mental health benefits. Evidence shows that people who keep fit reduce their rate of getting a mental illness such as a mood disorder (depression) or anxiety.

The benefits of exercise is not only for physical fitness, keeping at the right healthy weight range, more stamina,energy, flexibility and an immunity booster, but also mental health wellbeing. Such as;

• It helps you have a better sleep.
• It boost your self esteem as you are in control of your fitness regimen
• Keeps your mind busy whilst focusing on technique and activity, this is a form of distraction from your worries and stressors during that time.
• There is an opportunity to socialise with others.
• Exercise also affects the brain in a number of ways such as;
• By increasing heart rate, more oxygen goes to the brain.
• It stimulates plasticity by affecting growth of new neural pathways.
• Releases hormones which aid in providing a nourishing environment for brain cell growth.
• Chemicals in the brain such as Serotonin, stress hormones and endorphins are released which aid in pain relief and feeling happy.

WHAT YOU CAN DO…

• Consistency in exercising is obviously more beneficial, however when starting off it is important to begin lightly. If you start your fitness regimen too extreme chances are you wont continue.
•  Find an activity you enjoy, such hip hop dancing, martial arts, going to the gym, ice skating, roller skating, jogging/running, or even just walking. Doing something you enjoy means you will look forward to it rather than think it is an extra chore you have to complete.
• Set aside 30 minutes every alternate day to start off with.
• The following week make it 40 minutes every alternate day.
• The following week 50 minutes every alternate day.
• The following week aim to increase your fitness to 4 – 5 days a week (you choose the days).
• As life events happen, sometimes you cant make the time to go try and fit in a few stretches before bed or sit ups, push ups, jog on spot for a few minutes, after all something is better than nothing. However do not despair if you give a day or two a miss, just catch up next time.
• Consistency is the key to improving your health and wellness.