Exercising Your Body and Mind

The physical benefits of exercising, such as preventing disease and illness and improving physical condition, have been known for a long time, but there are so many other less commonly-known reasons why working out is so beneficial. For instance, exercise is good not only for your physical health but also for your mental health. Different types of exercises, such as cardio and weightlifting, have different benefits that can change your entire mood due to endorphins and other happy chemicals in your brain such as serotonin being produced when working out. While working out may at first seem like a burden or a chore, the benefits are immeasurable and are scientifically proven to lead to a happier, and (obviously) healthier life.

Here are the top three reasons to start working out more -- that don't have to do with your physical appearance.

Image Courtesy: SWEAT

1. It helps to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety

Humans are constantly battling stress, as it can come from just about anything in our lives. Seven out of ten adults in the United States say they experience stress or anxiety daily, and the majority of that group say that it interferes at least moderately with their lives, according to a recent ADAA survey. From classes to work to relationships, stress can be triggered by anything, and it influences our day to day lives. Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins, which are chemicals in the body that act as natural painkillers. While it is impossible to eliminate stress, exercise can help to manage it. It has been proven that aerobic exercises have been shown to decrease overall tension levels, improve sleep, elevate and stabilize mood, and improve self-esteem. Exercise is even considered essential for maintaining one's mental health, as it is shown to reduce fatigue and enhance overall cognitive functions.

2. Exercise can reduce your risk of dementia

Since working out is shown to improve overall cognitive functions, it is a no-brainer that it also helps to reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's as well. Since it is improving brain functions and alertness, studies have shown exercise reduces the risk of developing cognitive issues. Dance classes especially help individuals at risk of Alzheimer's, as they require cognitive skills such as memory and concentration.

3. It increases your productivity levels

Exercise can also improve your self-esteem, including in the workplace, which can help you take on important projects and leadership roles. In addition, it also has been linked to increases in overall productivity and focus, leading to improved performance overall. Productivity is key to living a happy and healthy lifestyle, in and out of the workplace, and something as simple as walking every day can enhance this. Being active also helps to improve time management skills as well. A study released by the American College of Sports Medicine found that 65 percent of employees surveyed reported an increased ability to manage their time and produce more, as well as an overall improved mental and interpersonal performance when they worked out.

Exercising does not always require a gym, either. Many different types of physical activity get you moving without the use of equipment, such as walking, biking, and weightlifting, which all hold mental benefits in addition to the physical ones as well. Do not be discouraged if you do not have a gym accessible to you, as there are a plethora of at-home workouts available online and on YouTube which involve calisthenic exercises that do not require weights or any fancy gym equipment. HIIT (high-intensity interval training) cardio is also very popular in current fitness due to its time efficiency and often requires little to no equipment.

The following exercises can be done in the living room, bedroom, and just about anywhere:

• Jumping lunges

• Push-ups

• Squat jumps

• Jumping jacks

• High knees

• Burpees

• Planks

Picking 4-6 of these exercises for about 30 seconds on and off with a total of 4-6 reps is sure to get your heart rate up. There are videos and other resources available to ensure that your form is correct if you are not familiar with these exercises. When it comes to trying new things, do not be afraid of working out, let it help you!

Strike Out,

Writer: Kailen Bender

Editors: Giselle Parks and Savannah Tindall

Tallahassee