There are many reasons to exercise. Good health, weight loss, and endurance are a few. One reason people don’t mention is the effect exercise has on mood. I see it a lot at the gym in Fort Hood, NJ. Clients come in with a scowl, furrowed brow, or the appearance of stress. After they workout, they leave with a more relaxed appearance and often a smile on their face. The session helped them relax and feel better. It caused endorphins to be released. Endorphins are natural mood enhancers.
There are changes to your body caused by hormones when you start a fitness program.
Your body and brain make changes when you start a fitness program. The brain produces more brain-derived neurotrophic factor—BDNF. BDNF protects the brain and repairs memory neurons. It boosts the creation of brain cells and keeps the brain functioning. It’s a reset for the brain. Exercise boosts the creation of other brain chemicals, such as endorphins. You won’t experience the pain of running or pushing your body because the endorphins handle that. It’s part of the fight-or-flight response that prepares your body for escape or battle. The endorphins work like natural opioids to keep you going and not focus on pain or exhaustion.
There’s even more going on in the brain that makes you feel good.
Your body increases the creation of serotonin or norepinephrine. These two act as neurotransmitters and hormones. Scientists often refer to them as the “happiness hormones.” They calm your brain and are probably the reason exercise is a good adjunct therapy for depression and anxiety. One study found that people suffering from major depressive disorder remained in remission longer when they exercised. They found there was no relapse a year later at the follow-up interview.
The body produces more dopamine when you exercise.
Dopamine acts as a neurotransmitter that acts like a chemical messenger. It’s also a hormone that works like epinephrine and norepinephrine. It affects many functions like movement, motivation, memory, and mood. It is part of the body’s reward system. It’s released as part of the fight-or-flight response and rewards the body for doing what it needs to do to survive. It also boosts your mood.
- You’ll sleep better when you exercise regularly. Lack of sleep can affect your sense of well-being. Exercise also boosts your energy level so you feel better and more willing to take on the world.
- You need all types of training to get the most from the mood-altering experience, but just walking a half hour a day is a start. One study showed that strength training twice a week can help lift depression.
- Exercise improves your posture and makes you look more confident. The more confident you look, the more confident you’ll feel. Others also view you as confident and treat you differently.
- What you eat makes a big difference. Consuming healthy food with more B12 increases serotonin production which makes you feel good. Cutting out sugar can help reduce mood swings and depression.
For more information, contact us today at VIP Fitness Center