We know that exercise improves health, and feeling healthier might make you feel happier, but is there more to it?
Gyms are amazing for the fact that they provide millions of people with a space to run, jog, bike, lift, stretch, participate in classes, etc. But so much more happens when you go to the gym and get that workout in; whatever your preferred method of fitness may be. Studies have shown that even small amounts of exercise each week can contribute to a much larger change in mood, and that in general- fitter people tend to be happier and less at risk of developing depression and anxiety. A trip to the gym or even getting in an outdoor workout in nice weather stimulates the mind and shakes up what may be for some people an otherwise monotonous and cubicle-centric daily existence.
You might dread that workout or you might look forward to it, but no one has ever walked away from the gym thinking “Wow. I regret that workout.” No one EVER- I promise you. Not only do you have a feeling of great accomplishment, as you should! But you’ve also released endorphins (that famous feel good hormone). Endorphins act as both a painkiller and as your body’s reward system. When you get hurt, you may get a big dose of endorphins to ease the pain. You may also get an endorphin blast from talking to someone new, eating an amazing meal or being exposed to sunshine. The endorphins your body produces act as a way to convince you to do whatever “it” is again sometime soon.
Not to mention you’ve also stimulated the production of disease fighting proteins known as antibodies, and burned some of the stress hormone cortisol. Great right! Wait that’s still not all though- especially if you’re a fitness class junkie you’ve now inserted yourself into a wonderful community. Suddenly you and your Monday morning yoga teacher are having coffee, you and the other Crossfit moms are setting up play-dates for all your kiddos, you and the guy that offered to spot you are now texting about your favorite protein powders. Having that community to return to time and time again is powerful! It engages you, makes exercise more fun, creates lasting relationships with like minded people, and makes you far more likely to keep coming back for how that positive atmosphere makes you feel.
While happiness is inherently subjective to each individual and can’t truly be measured, it remains a fact that exercise can and will have positive short term and long term effects on your mood and overall well being.
Armed with this information, you can now tell yourself and others that the hour you spend at the gym every day has an impact on your life reaching far beyond your physical fitness- so really just one more reason to be incredibly proud of yourself.