Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health

Have you ever taken a long walk after an argument or stressful event? Did you notice that you felt lighter and less stressed afterwards? Maybe you were attempting to brainstorm and solve a problem. It was during a workout that you found your thoughts clear up and the solution just seemed to appear out of nowhere. The benefits of exercise for the body are well-established. Countless studies highlight the importance of daily exercise and physical activity for optimal health and longevity. But did you know that exercise also improves your mental health? Let’s dive into the benefits of exercise for mental health. We’ll also discuss one of the best ways to get a full body workout that promotes weight loss, toning, and lean muscle development.

Less Stress

Stress is an essential survival response. It’s kept us safe for thousands of years from predators and the force of nature. But in the modern day, our stress response is off the charts. From rush hour traffic to social media debates, stress has become the norm for people around the globe. Unfortunately, that stress can do some serious damage if it’s left unchecked. For example, chronic stress is associated with high blood pressure, obesity, and depression. Studies show that exercise helps to alleviate stress. It lowers the intensity of the stress response including your blood pressure and adrenal levels. What’s more, over time, as exercise becomes a habit, stress no longer has the same effect on you. You’ll notice that the same situation – rush hour traffic, for example – seems milder.

Improves Mental Focus

During the last couple of decades, there has been a surge of people diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. The immediate response? Medication. But recent studies are finding that when you have trouble focusing or if you have been diagnosed with ADHD, exercise can help. Clinical studies demonstrate that physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which supports a variety of cognitive processes including focus, learning, and memory.

More Energy

Continuing with the point above, exercise is excellent for your mental health. Specifically, it increases feel-good hormones such as endorphins. These hormones are the body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters. By decreasing symptoms of depression and mental fatigue, you’ll find you have more overall energy.

Reduces Anxiety

Did you know that anxiety has a lifetime prevalence of nearly 29% in the United States? Like stress, anxiety can be a good thing in small doses but most of us are living chaotic lives that trigger a daily tidal wave of anxiety. Thankfully, exercise can help. Studies have consistently shown that daily physical exercise can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, making it easier to manage the condition. For those with severe anxiety, exercise complements the medication and therapy program prescribed by your doctor.

Alleviates Depression

Like anxiety, rates of depression have been climbing. Studies suggest that nearly 10% of the U.S. population will have an episode of depression during their life. Chronic and severe depression are often treated with medication, but studies show that exercise can act as a natural remedy for depression. At the least, exercise can effectively complement a doctor’s prescribed treatment for depression. As we mentioned above, exercise triggers the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins and serotonin. This combined with the fact that exercise is a natural mood booster helps to alleviate symptoms of depression.

Higher Libido

There is a direct correlation between a lack of exercise and sexual dysfunction, especially when it comes to getting in the mood. Studies show that both men and women who don’t exercise report suffering from a lack of interest in sex. This low libido can fuel a vicious cycle of anxiety and depression. Numerous clinical trials found that by incorporating physical exercise into a daily routine, you’re likely to experience a variety of benefits including increased libido.

Exercise is Essential for Mental Health

Daily exercise provides a number of physical health benefits, but it’s also proven to give your brain a boost as well. From less stress to a better mood, exercise can help you feel better in your day-to-day routine.

Don’t Fret About Exercise – Make it Simple with MaxiClimber

So, you’re sold on the fact that exercise is essential for your health. But you’re not sure how to start. What if you could get a full-body workout that is a combination of resistance training and aerobic exercise all in one machine? Introducing MaxiClimber. Scientifically proven to be more effective at burning calories than traditional cardio workouts, MaxiClimber can help you build lean muscle, burn fat, and improve your mental health. Best of all, it only takes 15 minutes per day!

References

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8. Girandola, Bob, and Ed Gaut. “The Effect of the Maxi-Climber Exercise Device on Inner Thigh Muscle Activity.” University of Southern California, 2012.
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