It's a question that has gone through everyone's mind from time to time - Why Bother? Wouldn't I be happier lifting a pint instead of this dumbbell? Why am I running in the rain instead of (insert your favourite pastime here) - am I mad?! But there's a good reason why you are putting yourself through your paces. In fact, there are hundreds of good reasons, and we all know what they are - we just need reminding from time to time.

One of the biggest killers of the modern age is lack of exercise. It's as simple as that. By taking even moderate exercise on a regular basis our immune system is strengthened - and we cut the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood vessel disorders, thrombosis, angina; the list goes on. The key word here is regular: all exercise is good, but regular moderate exercise has a greater effect on your overall health than occasional bursts of lung-busting activity. In short, be as active as you can, as often as possible - and KEEP IT GOING!!!

Life just seems much easier when you are fit - and it's not just the body that benefits from exercise. Exercise triggers chemical changes in the brain that can have a powerful and positive effect on mental health. The ability to deal with the daily demands of hard work and play more effectively is one of the most underestimated side effects of fitness - and one of the best!

psychological benefits of exercise

The psychological benefits of regular exercise can be as significant as the physical. Some, such as better self-esteem, come as an indirect result of exercise and are fairly subjective. Others are a direct consequence of chemical activity triggered by physical exertion - for example, people suffering from depression or anxiety are often 'prescribed' exercise. Brain chemicals released during exercise, such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and endorphins, are known to have strong effects on mood, helping reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression, while also helping to strengthen your immune system.

Twenty different types of endorphin have been discovered in the nervous system, and the beta-endorphins secreted during exercise have the most powerful effect. Sometimes described as 'runners high', the release of beta-endorphins reduces pain (the reason why running becomes easier after about 20 minutes) and stimulates feelings of euphoria - which is why so many people feel invigorated and enthusiastic after exercise.

other psychological side-effects of exercise include

improved self-esteem and greater sense of self-reliance and self-confidence

improved mental alertness, perception and information processing

increased perceptions of acceptance by others

decreased overall feelings of stress and tension

reduced frustration with daily problems - and a more constructive response to disappointments and failures

These psychological benefits can be just as important as the more obvious physical ones; most of us exercise in the first place because we are unhappy about something, whether it is that spare tyre, worries about general health, or just being sick of feeling tired and unfit.

If you are feeling like a couch potato, or you are finding stress and worry is becoming a problem, get out there and exercise! The hardest part by far is that initial step - which you've taken by contacting a Trainer! When it can feel like exercise is the last thing in the world that will cheer you up: try to remember that exercise is one of the very best ways to do just that.

motivation

Some people have the same burning desire to exercise as others do to taste wine, or read, or follow a football team. For others, getting their training shoes on can be a real struggle. There is no shame in this - even fitness fanatics have days when there is nothing they would rather do than curl up in front of the telly with a bag of crisps! A great way to ensure you are motivated is to employ a personal trainer. Not only will you be getting the very best advice from a fitness expert; the individually tailored programmes are designed specifically to keep you motivated - by making sessions enjoyable, and ultimately by ensuring you see real results.

As your Personal Fitness Trainer I come to you saving you time, inconvenience and costly membership fees. We can use the home, office or park for a really effective and fun workout. All the necessary equipment is provided, so there is no need for a gym!

the results you'll get to see & feel