Dallas Personal Training - Dallas Counseling

Research has shown for some time now the connection between mood and exercise. Exercise affects endorphins and melatonin levels, as well as the amino acid tryptophan and the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin. As a result, exercise gives you more energy, dissipates lethargy, increases metabolism, fights off depression and enhances the sleep cycle. Its one of the true all-purposes mood enhancers we have. Additionally, we store experiences and their connected emotions in physical places on your body. It makes sense that muscle activity may help discharge old feelings associated with negative events.

Exercise can also significantly improve self-image. Learning a new skill such as weight training or horseback riding is always a good thing, and physical changes due to exercise improve body image. Exercise also provides a diversion from negative, obsessive thoughts and feelings. Many exercisers report that their ability to eat more freely without worries about gaining weight also increases pleasure, satisfaction, and a sense of self-control.

Plan for Depression and Exercise

If you're struggling with depression, consider implementing an exercise routine now. Symptoms of depression include fatigue and a sense of being "slowed down" physically and mentally (see depression article). These certainly present barriers to exercise. Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness may also interfere with motivation to exercise. Therefore, it is important to exercise, at least at first, as an act of will rather than waiting until you feel like it. Anything done for thirty days in a row is likely to become a habit, so we recommend committing to a month of a new exercise routine before evaluating its effectiveness.

If you are seriously depressed and have just started on antidepressant medication, we recommend you start your exercise plan slowly. Give therapy and medication 4-6 weeks to begin alleviating some of your symptoms before you try to kick into high gear. Pick a form of exercise that you like and that doesn't challenge you too much physically. And since depression is often accompanied by a desire to isolate, it may be important to team up with someone, or even a group in these initial stages. While it's nice outside, consider outdoor activities. Sunshine is a well-known mood elevator and a free and abundant tool to fight depression.

We recommend you exercise for BETTER MOOD not just for weight loss or physical fitness. Weight loss and physical fitness are natural benefits of exercise. But if you over-focus on the scale or obsess about the size of your thighs, you may become easily frustrated and give up. Think of exercise as part of a healthy life. Regular exercise is one thing that can make your LIFE WORK!

For more information or to inquire about an appointment, please call 214.357.4001 or Request Information!
Learn more about Abbie Chesney.
Email: achesney@wefixbrains.com

Resource links on Personal Training:

Cooper Aerobics Center
24 Hour Fitness