There is much written about the physical effects of fitness. Overlooked, but equally important, are the psychological effects derived from fitness. Fitness gurus often speak of the mind and body experience. There is more to this than the metaphysical implications. Fitness has a profound affect on your psychological state.
In an article reviewing the impacts of exercise on the psychological state Dr. Daniel Landers, from Arizona State University had this to say, "The research literature suggests that for many variables there is now ample evidence that a definite relationship exists between exercise and improved mental health. This is particularly evident in the case of a reduction of anxiety and depression...Exercise is related not only to a relief in symptoms of depression and anxiety but it also seems to be beneficial in enhancing self-esteem, producing more restful sleep, and helping people recover more quickly from psychosocial stressors."[1] The chemical effect that exercise has on the brain causes an improved mood, "Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You will also look better and feel better, when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression."[2] Although much more research is needed, it is clear there is a direct link between your psychological state and your physical fitness.
Going into 2010 recession has gripped us, unemployment is higher than it has been since the Great Depression, and people are experiencing more psychological trauma, e.g. depression, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem, especially during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The difficulty in taking advantage of fitness is the lack of knowledge about fitness and the effect it can have on health, both physical and psychological. Least known are the psychological affects. The personal training profession spends much of its time measuring the physical effects of exercise and nutrition. Lost in many cases is the association of improved psychological impact resulting from exercise and nutrition. This lack of knowledge leads to focusing more on the physical aspects of fitness training at the exclusion of the psychological issues. Personal support plays a large role in reinforcing the psychological impact of fitness training. Most trainers focus on body fat percentage, weight, body circumference, and lean body mass to measure progress. Equally important are mood, self-esteem, self-worth, and a healthy psychological state. The measurements for psychological impact often rest in others opinions, journals, mood charts, and feedback from loved ones. Discrimination based on appearance, related to size, is well documented in the business world. Fitness not only effects your personal life, it effects your professional life, which then effects your psychological state of mind.
Most people feel the need to improve their fitness during the holidays. Mostly, this is due to the physical effects of eating and lack of exercise, e.g. pants are too tight. In the current times, it is equally important to seek fitness for psychological reasons. People often experience stress, depression, and anxiety during the holidays. They increase their exposure to others, e.g. parties, relatives they have not seen for awhile, and hordes of shoppers in stores. How others view you can either lead to feelings of insecurity and poor self-esteem, or elation and good self-esteem. Your fitness level will have a direct bearing on how others perceive you, and the resulting psychological impact.
Your psychological health is impacted by physical factors and emotional factors. Physical factors can be improved through exercises that increase and release endorphins in the body, "Endorphins act as analgesics, which means they diminish the perception of pain. They also act as sedatives. They are manufactured in your brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of your body and are released in response to brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neuron receptors endorphins bind to are the same ones that bind some pain medicines. However, unlike with morphine, the activation of these receptors by the body's endorphins does not lead to addiction or dependence."[3] Emotional health is experienced by the positive reinforcement people receive about their improved appearance, which in turn improves their self-esteem. This blog is too short to go into detail about these relationships. There are many articles and books on this subject. They can be researched through the internet and libraries.
When deciding to embark on a fitness program ensure you consider not only the physical benefits related to fitness, but also the psychological benefits. Make sure when designing your strategy for fitness that you include measurements that relate to your psychological improvement. Review these measurements as often as the physical measurements you have established. This holistic approach to fitness will benefit your Total Fitness.
[1] Landers, Dr. Daniel. "The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health". ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AS SERIES 2, NUMBER 12, OF THE PCPFS RESEARCH DIGEST July, 2006:
[2] Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. Mayo Clinic.com. 12 16-2009
[3] "Exercise and Depression". WebMD. 12-16-2009
Vic Vogel is an internationally NFPT certified personal trainer /fitness consultant, author, and sports nutritionist. He provides fitness consulting to individuals and businesses. Vic has conducted fitness lectures in both businesses and non-profit organizations. He is the Principal and owner of Strategy for Fitness, [http://www.strategyforfitness.com], and CEO of Victor L. Vogel & Associates, Inc. Vic's two books Building a Strategy for Fitness: A Model to Reach and Sustain Total Fitness & Health, and Strategy for Fitness: Nutritional Manual can be found at Amazon. Vic publishes a fat loss review blog http://www.wayfastfatloss.com He holds a Masters degree from the University of Oklahoma.Vic resides and practices in Oklahoma City, where is specialized in clients over 50.
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