The benefits of taking regular exercise on mental health
It has long been known that regular exercise is good for our physical health. It can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke.
In recent years, studies have shown that regular physical activity also has positive benefits for mental health. Exercise can help people recover from depression and prevent them from becoming depressed in the first place.
Exercise can improve mood, reduce anxiety and improve concentration. Exercise has an effect on certain chemicals in the brain that affect our mood and make us feel happier.
Exercise can also boost people’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Dr Alan Cohen, a GP with a special interest in mental health, says that when people get depressed or anxious they often feel they're not in control of their lives.
“Exercise gives them back control of their bodies and this is often the first step to feeling in control of other events,” he says.
Fit4life
Grapevine and Newbodies Gym in Fairfield have joined forces with help from an NHS funded grant to provide people with access to an introduction to exercise (classes). If you want to give this opportunity a go - free of charge - why not call the office on 01298 72283 to find out more or to sign up for a regular class?