As a fitness professional, I am asked questions about physical wellness all the time, but what about mental wellness? In observance of World Mental Health Day, on October 10, 2014, a day that began in an effort to promote mental health awareness, I ask that we all take steps to improve our health and happiness. There is hard evidence of a relationship between physical and mental health. The mood-enhancing effects of exercise have been well documented. Most experts believe that exercise positively impacts mental health due to many combined factors.
When looking to add exercise classes or activity to your wellness program, consider the following factors. Aerobic exercises are forms of physical fitness that reduce risk factors for poor mental health, such as inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Yoga, meditation, and Tai Chi are stress relievers that can help prevent chronic stress from negatively impacting your mood. If you are already working out consistently, great! Try adding a class you haven’t taken before. Learning a new skill will provide mental stimulation and promote brain health. Many forms of exercise help us to socialize, an important part of helping to build a support system. So what are you waiting for? Try a new class, grab a friend to exercise with, or head out to the gym to make a new one
By: Adrienne Lopez, AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor at Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center
For more information: www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2014/en/
Sign up to receive our Newsletter and Emails
Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 9:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center - 401 Campus Blvd. - Winchester, Virginia - 22601 - (540) 536-3000
© 2024 Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center. All Rights Reserved. - Term of Use - Privacy Policy
LLT Group - Website Design & Creative Agency