Regular exercise is one of the single most beneficial things you can do to support your overall physical health. Bones, joints, muscles, cardiovascular system, respiratory health, metabolism — the list goes on and on. It’s associated with various physical health benefits like stronger muscles and bones, a lower risk of chronic diseases, stroke, and diabetes.
But there’s another huge benefit from regular physical activity that can’t be underscored enough, and that’s the extremely positive effect that exercise has on mental health and wellness.
Exercise Is Great for Your Mind
In the United States, mental health struggles are very common. Anxiety disorders, for example, affect about one in five people. There is plenty of evidence that getting physical activity and exercising consistently a few times every week is beneficial for mental health and well-being.
A comprehensive report released in 2021 by the John W. Brick Foundation reviewed nearly 1200 studies that were conducted over a thirty-year period and found that 89% of them reported a statistically significant link between physical activity and improved mental health markers including anxiety, mood, and stress. An ideal exercise program includes moderate aerobic exercise and weight training four to five times per week for 30 to 45 minutes.
Be Active to Promote Whole-Body Wellness
There are a lot of things that influence our mental health. While it seems that exercise can offer quite a bit, it’s also just one piece of the puzzle and we’re not suggesting that it’s a replacement for professional help and guidance. But when it comes to setting yourself up to feel happy, content, excited, interested, present, and all the other qualities that describe the frame of mind most of us want to be in, exercise is very effective.
Be Your Best Self at the YMCA of Greater Whittier
Is physical fitness part of your life right now? If so, awesome! We’d love for you to join us at the YMCA of Greater Whittier. And if not, that’s okay! We want you here, too.
The YMCA of Greater Whittier seeks is committed to keeping our community strong and active by promoting healthy living. You can get and stay healthy with programs suited for all ages and fitness levels.
Take a class, train with a friend, work out in the Fitness Center. It’s easy to have fun while getting stronger and increasing your endurance and energy. Our fitness center includes exercise machines, stretching areas, free weights and a weight room.
Learn more about joining.
