By now, we all know the benefits that exercise has for our mind and bodies. But many would agree that it is still a hard thing to do, especially at the beginning, when one has previously failed at sticking to a fitness program of any kind.
Practicing exercise on a regular basis will bring important changes to your body, your metabolism, your heart, and your spirit. It has a distinct capacity to counter depression and dissipate stress. It's a common experience among endurance athletes and has been verified in clinical tests that have successfully used exercise to treat anxiety disorders and clinical depression. If athletes and patients can derive psychological benefits from exercise, so can you.
Without getting into too much detail about the endless forms of exercise there are available for us, we can pretty much affirm that exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins - chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins are responsible for the feelings of relaxation and optimism that accompany many intense workouts.
Behavioral factors also contribute to the emotional benefits of exercise. As your waistline shrinks and your strength and stamina increase, your self-image improves. You'll experience a sense of mastery, control and self-confidence. Your renewed vigor and energy will help you succeed in many tasks, and the discipline of regular exercise will help you achieve other important lifestyle goals.
Exercise and sports also provide opportunities to get away from it all and to either enjoy some solitude or to make friends and build networks. Exercise is play and recreation; when your body is busy, your mind will be distracted from the worries of daily life and will be free to think creatively.
Almost any type of exercise is good. Many people find that using large muscle groups in rhythmic low intensity modes work best. Walking, running and biking are some examples of that. A simple 20-minute stroll is often enough to clear the mind and reduce stress. Alternatively, some people prefer more intensive workouts that burn stress along with calories. Or on the other side of the spectrum, we find yoga and stretching exercises that help relax your muscles, while focused meditation can provide similar benefits through the beautiful art of breathing.
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