Author: Tony Clerc

We always tend to think that the benefits of exercise are to develop a leaner and stronger body, but think again. Physical exercise has been proven to not only be beneficial for your physical appearance, but also beneficial for your mind and overall mental state. Exercise can give you a fit body and a fit mind.

The overwhelming majority of research focuses on the physical and health benefits of exercise. However, a growing body of work demonstrates that exercise promotes wellness and mental health. Duke University conducted a 4 month study analyzing the effects of exercise on depressed individuals and they found that more than 60% of the participants who exercised only 30 minutes, three times per week were able to overcome their depression without using anti-depressant medication. don’t end there.

Other studies have concluded that several bouts of only 8 minute sessions were able to reduce tension, sadness and anger in individuals. Even short bouts of exercise have been found to be very beneficial for an individual’s state of mind. Many studies have shown that exercise can reduce anxiety and boost confidence – skeptical? Try exercising for just 10 minutes and feel the effects.

During exercise, the body’s endorphins are released. Endorphins are the body’s “feel good” chemicals, they are responsible for your happiness and are the body’s painkillers. Endorphins also give you more energy and help you sleep better; this explains why exercise is so helpful for people suffering from depressionrelated sleep disorders.

I also found that exercise helps you focus and concentrate on daily tasks at hand – you are more likely to think more clearly throughout the day. Countless studies have also concluded that regular exercise can lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Instead of viewing exerciseas a chore or task, view exercise as an affirmation of living and as a way to maintain your physical and mental wellness. View exercise as an investment on your future wellbeing.

Get moving – and reap a sound body and mind.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/mental-health-benefits-of-exercise-1854197.html

About the Author

Tony Clerc, MA, ACE-CPT, is an established and respected certified fitness expert with more than 14 years in the fitness industry and is the CEO of Platinum Fitness of the Desert Inc. www.desertplatinumfitness.com. He writes fitness articles for publications and gives presentations on health and fitness related topics throughout the Coachella Valley. Tony provides private personal training in clients’ homes, offices or at private studios throughout the Palm Springs area. Tony can be contacted at tony@desertplatinumfitness.com 760-777-2952