The-Mental-and-Social-Benefits-of-Regular-Exercise-Class-A-FitnessYou’re probably familiar with many of the benefits of exercise. Exercise helps you control your weight. It can help with certain health conditions like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. And, it can help you get a good night’s sleep.

But the benefits of exercise go beyond your physical health. Here are some of the mental and social benefits of regular exercise:

Mental Benefits

After making it to the end of a tough day, a workout might be just the thing your body (and mind) needs to release some stress. Being activity sets off a chemical reaction in your brain that makes you feel happier and less stressed.

If your symptoms tend to be more sleepy and sluggish than stress, then a quick workout can also help boost your energy. You can fight a mid-day work slump with a brisk walk outside or a lunchtime yoga class with a few co-workers. Anything you can do to move your body will also help wake up your mind.

Social Benefits

Exercise can (and should) be enjoyable. One of the ways to make a workout more fun is to work out with other people. Rather than sweating through a workout by yourself, sign up for group fitness classes.

So how do you take advantage of all of these benefits? The Department of Health and Human Services makes the following recommendations for adults:

  • Move more and sit less throughout the day.
  • For significant health benefits, aim for at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise (or 75 minutes to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity)
  • Aerobic activity should be spread throughout the week.
  • For 2 or more days each week, do strength work of moderate or greater intensity and include movements that use all major muscle groups.

(As with any fitness program, make sure that you talk with your doctor before getting started.)

Class A Fitness is dedicated to helping you be your best and reap the benefits of a regular exercise habit. Contact us to learn more.