Our 30-minute workouts at Outlaw FitCamp will make you become more fit, trim, and strong. But what people often overlook is all the benefits exercise gives for your mental health as well. These past couple of years have been stressful for many people. But there is good news, research has proven that exercise greatly improves your mental health, and we’re here to help!

It’s a good time to talk about it—October 10^th is World Mental Health Day. This national day was started in 1992 because medical professionals wanted to recognize how important mental health is and how much it’s tied to your physical wellbeing as well.

The mental health benefits that exercise gives you are just as important as the physical benefits are. Here are ten important mental health benefits from regular exercise:

1) Increases feelings of achievement

Regular exercise gives people a sense of achievement for doing something to improve their health. Meeting small fitness goals along the way reinforces these feelings of achievement.

2) Fights depression

Research shows that regular exercise treats mild to moderate depression as well as prescription drugs. And exercise does this without the side effects of medicine. Experts believe there are several reasons for this, but one is that exercise releases endorphins, a chemical that creates feelings of happiness.

3) Increases confidence and self-esteem

Regular exercise improves your fitness and appearance if you stick to it. As you tone your body, you’ll experience improved body image. This, along with a better health, increases your self-esteem.

4) Reduces anxiety and stress

Anxiety and stress cause physical symptoms and damage to your body. Working out helps relax your muscles, lifts your mood, and relieves tension in your body. This all helps to reduce the feelings and symptoms of anxiety and stress.

5) Improves the symptoms of ADHD

Exercising regularly is an effective and safe way to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Research shows that exercise improves concentration and memory by releasing several chemicals that increase focus and attention. By doing this, exercise works in much the same way as common ADHD medications.

6) Increases memory and sharp thinking

The same chemicals that make you feel good when you exercise also help you concentrate and stay mentally sharp. At the same time, exercise also stimulates brain cell growth, and this can slow the cognitive decline that occurs with age.

7) Improves sleep

A large study recently surveyed adults between the ages of 23 and 60. About 76 to 83 percent of people who exercised regularly said they had very good or fairly good sleep quality. For the respondents who didn’t exercise, this dropped to 56 percent.

Exercise helps regulate your sleep patterns. For some people, moderate exercise is as effective as a sleeping pill.

8) Strengthens resilience

When faced with difficulties in life, exercise can help you build resilience and face these challenges without resorting to alcohol, drugs, or other destructive behaviors. Exercise is a healthy way to cope with life’s challenges.

9) Improves mood

Research has proven a strong link between exercise and improved mood. Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise, you experience a better mood. And this increased happiness seems to last beyond just the short-term. Research also shows that active people are less depressed than inactive people.

10) Helps you get more done

Although sometimes people feel like they don’t have enough time to get in a workout, research shows that workers who take time out of their day for exercise actually get more done. They have a higher level of production than those who just keep going without exercise. Making time for exercise will boost productivity the rest of the day and results in helping you get more done.

Exercise improves both your physical and mental health

Exercise is good for you physically and mentally, and both are critically important to your wellbeing. At Outlaw FitCamp, we have certified personal trainers that will develop a customized workout routine for you that will not only get you physically fit but will also give you the mental health benefits we’ve discussed.

No matter your age or fitness level, exercise can help you feel better and get more out of life. Give us a call and let us help you start improving your sense of wellbeing today!