[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There’s more to exercise than meets the eye. Sure, an active lifestyle keeps your heart healthy and joints functioning, but did you know that it also gives your brain a boost?

But how can something that exhausts the body be good for our mental health? Wouldn’t it increase stress?

According to clinical psychologist Jenny C. Yip, PsyD, ABPP, exercise help release endorphins which is the body’s “feel-good” hormones. These hormones are responsible for keeping the mind calm and the body relaxed. In addition, exercise also increase the blood’s circulation in the brain which, in turn, improves your mood and attention. Imagine, spending as little as 20 minutes a day on some moderate exercises can make all the difference in your life as it will help increase overall productivity and decrease the energy expended from mental stress.

Mental Health Benefits of Working Out

If you are looking for some extra motivation to get into the gym then consider the amazing benefits that exercise has on your overall mental health: Reduce Stress. Rough day at work? Or it’s just one of those days? Then maybe it’s time to get into the gym? Exercise can help alleviate stress since it increases norepinephrine which is a chemical produced by the body to help moderate the brain’s response to stress. Boost brainpower. There’s more to a workout than the lean muscles, studies have shown cardiovascular exercise can help create new brain cells (neurogenesis) and improve overall brain performance to help keep your A game! This boost in brain power also helps sharpen your memory giving you more brain capacity to learn something new! So why not try something new this month? Let’s live more and give ourselves the love we all deserve. Increase Creativity and Productivity. Having creative block? Fear not because a quick workout can help get those creative juices flowing and supercharge that post-workout inspiration! Aside from that, because energy is flowing through you, you get more stuff done and you’ll love every minute of it! Self-love is often a struggle for most of us especially since we’re our biggest and harshest critics. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, intimidated, and discouraged but remember you are not alone and the baby steps to self-love is putting yourself out there. It may not be at the gym right off the bat but start taking long walks or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Each effort (no matter how small) makes the difference, and when you’re ready, come and do a trial class with us here at 360 Ultimate Fitness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]