People ask me all the time, “How do you stay motivated?” “Where do you find the time?” “I just don’t like working out!”. And I’m here to say, “I don’t, it’s hard, and sometimes… me too!”. Ok, maybe not that last one because I really do like working out… but it’s not always easy to get motivated or to find the time. We all know we should make exercise part of our daily routine, but maybe you need a new, good reasons to start.
Let me give you one: Endorphins! Endorphins — produced by the body’s neurotransmitter during physical activity — produce a sort of energetic ‘high’. Have you heard of ‘runner high’? It’s caused by the production of endorphins. In short: exercise produces endorphins; endorphins make you happy; and happy people enjoy life!
Exercise can play a major role in improving mental health, which has become a much talked about issue in the post-pandemic world. and rightfully so. To live optimally, we not only need to be physically healthy, but we also need to be mentally healthy. Research has shown that bouts of just 15 minutes of moderate to high intensity exercise a day (like running) or 60 minutes of lower intensity exercise (like walking) can decrease the risk of depression. Exercise is also a natural way to reduce anxiety and stress levels, two other major factors in mental health. How you ask? The production of the feel-good endorphins!
Find a form of exercise you enjoy!
One thing we all have in common is that we are aging. And as we age, we become more at risk for osteoporosis, the thinning or weakening of our bones. You should not wait for Osteoporosis to happen before taking action. Get ahead of it by adding weight bearing exercise into your weekly routine. This type of exercise is the good stress we want to put on our body to help fight the bad stress. I recommend weight training or a strength focused group exercise class at least 2-3 times per week.
Finding exercise you enjoy is key to sticking with it. Walking, jogging, biking, and other outdoor activities are a great, accessible way to start. But consider getting help from an expert by participating in small group fitness classes. At EnergyX Fitness, our high intensity but low impact classes provide a mix of cardio, strength, HIIT, and yoga, creating a well-rounded fitness experience led by experienced and educated coaches. If group classes aren’t for you, our personal trainers are eager to create a program designed for you, to meet your specific goals.
If you’ve been convinced and would like to experience the endorphin high of exercise, come try a class at EnergyX. Our coaches and community are excited to meet you!
Alison Galvan is the owner and CEO of EnergyX Fitness in San Antonio.
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