It’s well-known that physical exercise is an important part of health. No matter why people engage in physical exercise, they often get positive results that keep them going back to the gym so they can continue to feel and look better. One reason many people should engage in physical exercise is to improve their mental health. A lot of people may not recognize just how beneficial exercise can be for the mind. That old maxim of “healthy body, healthy mind” may not be exactly true, but the concept is close. This article highlights the mental health benefits of exercising regularly.
The Common Types of Physical Exercise That Benefit Mental Health
There are a lot of different types of physical exercise that are often used for different purposes. Whether someone is going to the gym, participating in sports or heading for a swim, there’s a type of exercise for everyone. Understanding the different types of physical exercise can help people select the most appropriate type for their mental health needs.
Gentle exercise
Gentle exercise includes activities such as walking, yoga, and Tai Chi. These are low-impact activities that can be used to ease into an exercise regimen. Those who have physical limitations or who are new to exercise can use gentle exercise to start building strength and stamina. Those who are already exercising regularly or who are in better physical health may use gentle exercise to warm-up prior to a more rigorous exercise session.
Moderate exercise
Moderate exercise consists of activities such as light weight training, jogging, or aerobic exercises. Moderate exercises get the blood pumping faster and is more intense than gentle exercises. However, they can still be used by beginners who are trying to push themselves in their exercise regimens. Moderate exercise is used to get results at a moderate pace. At this level, people feel the exercise working more quickly than with gentle exercise, but it is still a very manageable pace.
Intensive exercise
Intensive exercise consists of exercise such as CrossFit, Zumba, or other programs intended to be very intense. These types of exercises and programs are designed for those who have experience with physical exercise. They take exercise to the next level of fitness for those who want to push past a plateau or for those who are seeking rapid results from an exercise regimen. Intensive exercise may carry higher risk of injury, but those who engage in this level of exercise are able to achieve significant results in muscle growth and overall fitness.
The Benefits of Physical Exercise
Doctors and other health care providers recommend physical exercise because of its numerous benefits. It is frequently one of the lifestyle changes recommended by care providers in the treatment of various illnesses and diseases. The benefits of physical exercise can be categorized as either physical or mental benefits.
Physical Benefits
From a physical perspective, physical exercise is used to help people lose weight and gain strength. Physical exercise burns calories, which forces the body to burn fat that’s already stored. In addition, the use of the muscles forces them to strengthen in order to accommodate the activity. The more the body is used in physical exercise, the easier it becomes to push the body to do more.
In addition, physical activity promotes healthy blood flow and can help combat problems that come from inactivity, like joint and muscle stiffness. This helps promote overall physical health as well as to address specific, physical problems that may arise in life.
Mental Benefits
There are specific mental benefits associated with physical exercise as well. When people exercise, hormones are released that make them feel good. This is sometimes referred to as a “runner’s high,” which is the positive feeling people seek when they engage in physical exercise. The hormones released during physical exercise can help combat depression and anxiety, as well.
Along with the hormones released, people who exercise regularly have better mental health because they know they are taking care of themselves and improving their body health, as well. This can help people feel good about the choices they’re making and improve overall mental health.
Precautions for Physical Exercise
Despite the numerous physical and mental benefits of physical exercise, there are precautions that must be taken, as well. These precautions should be kept in mind for anyone engaging in physical exercise.
- People should not begin an exercise regimen without consulting their health care professionals to ensure they are healthy enough for the desired exercise.
- It is beneficial to participate in classes or other educational environments to ensure that exercises are done correctly, which helps prevent injuries.
- Adequate hydration is essential for successful physical exercise, even if the exercise is gentle.
- Adequate calorie intake is essential for successful physical exercise, even if the exercise is intended to help lose weight. The body needs nutrition to function and the calories lost through exercise must be replaced for the energy needed.
FAQ
Q. What kind of physical exercise is best for mental health?
A. In order for exercise to be effective, it should be enjoyable. Trying out different exercises and exercise programs can be a good way to determine the best exercise based on health needs and interests.
Q. How do you know how hard to push the body during exercise?
A. It's important to speak with a health care provider before starting a physical exercise regimen to make sure the regimen won't cause injuries or other problems. The health care provider can also help determine how intensive the exercise regimen can be, which can prevent overexertion.
Q. How soon do people feel the mental health benefits of physical exercise?
A. The positive mental effects of physical exercise vary from person to person. While some people may begin to feel the benefits immediately, others may need to exercise for a few weeks before they start to feel better. This may also depend on the type of exercise program being used.
No matter why a person starts an exercise regimen, the mental health benefits are a good way to keep people going back to the gym. In fact, the feeling that comes from the physical results can also contribute to mental health improvements. Through appropriate physical exercise, people can improve their overall health and know that they feel better, too.
