How regular exercise can have a positive impact on our mental health

Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety as well as increase our self-esteem, having a direct and positive impact on our mental health. It also plays a role in preventing future health problems as well as alleviating the symptoms of existing conditions such as easing arthritis pain and improving heart health. At COACH London we suggest everyone strives to undertake a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, as advised by the WHO *1. Adults should also perform muscle-strengthening activities of moderate-intensity or higher that involve all major muscle groups for 2 or more days per week.

It is no secret that physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on our mood. A study that asked people to rate their mood immediately after periods of physical activity against periods of inactivity, found that the participants felt more content, more awake, and calmer after being physically active compared to after periods of inactivity. They also found that the effect of physical activity on their mood was greatest when their mood was initially low *2.

Participating in regular physical exercise can also be very effective in relieving stress. The most common physical signs of stress include poor sleep, anxiety, sweating, and loss of appetite. Symptoms like these are triggered by a rush of stress hormones in our body (adrenaline and noradrenaline) – these hormones raise our blood pressure, increase our heart rate and increase the rate at which we perspire. Research on employed adults has found that highly active individuals tend to have lower stress rates compared to individuals who are less active *3.

Exercise not only has a measurable positive impact on our physical health, but it can also exponentially increase our self-esteem. How we feel about ourselves is a key indicator of our mental wellbeing and our ability to cope with stress. Exercising regularly can also help ease depression and anxiety by releasing feel-good endorphins that have been shown to enhance our sense of well-being.

At COACH London we understand how the right exercise routine can help our members achieve a lasting positive impact on their overall wellbeing and their physical and mental health.

Our specialist team has developed a unique 360° approach guaranteed to help you reach and maintain your goals by focusing on the sweet spot where the mind, body, and lifestyle meet. We develop bespoke programmes with each member's goals and objectives in mind, taking into consideration their level of fitness, and relationship, and attitude to exercise. Located in the heart of St. James’s, COACH London is an exclusive health, wellness, and performance club. With access to our state-of-the-art fitness suite, expert coaching, and renowned medical practitioners, members have everything they need to maintain optimal mental and physical performance under one roof.

The journey towards becoming a happier, stronger, more focused you starts with COACH London.

1. World Health Organization. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. Global recommendations on physical activity for health [Internet] [cited 2019 Apr 29]. Available from: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2010/9789241599979_eng.pdf. [Google Scholar]
2. Kanning, M. & Schlicht, W. (2010). Be Active and Become Happy: An Ecological Momentary Assessment of Physical Activity and Mood. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 32 (2), 253–261.
3. Kouvonen, A., Kivimaki, M., Elovainio, M., Virtanen, M., Linna, A. & Vehtera, J. (2005). Job strain and leisure-time physical activity in female and male public sector employees. Preventative Medicine, 41 (2), 532–539

For more information on COACH London membership and access to our exclusive May membership offers, contact nefeli@coachlondon.uk or call us on 0207 315 4260.

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