Exercise has great benefits for your physical health - it can strengthen your muscles, improve your cardiovascular system, and reduce your risk of diseases like stroke and diabetes. But, did you know that exercise can have benefits for your mental health too? Why exercise lifts your mood Exercise causes your brain to release chemicals including endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals all work together to make you feel good. In addition to the chemical changes in your brain, exercising can lead to a feeling of accomplishment and relaxation of your muscles, also helping you feel good. Exercise and depression Exercise on it’s own is not a cure for depression, but research has show it can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression. In fact, the most commonly prescribed antidepressants are SSRI drugs, which work by increasing the amount of serotonin in your system. As mentioned above, exercise also increases the amount of serotonin in your system, so the effect on depression shouldn’t be a surprise. Make time for yourself Many people believe they are “too busy” for exercise. Being “too busy” for something really just means that you’re prioritizing something else above it. By placing exercise high on your priority list, you’re prioritizing yourself. This is a great way to help boost your mood and your confidence, because you’re taking a portion of your day for yourself. Choose physical activity you enjoy While any physical activity will help release endorphins and serotonin, choosing something you enjoy can help boost your mood even further. In addition, by using physical activity that’s fun for you, you’ll be more likely to be consistent. Consistently exercising is important for getting the most benefit out of it.
At GroupHab Physical Therapy and Wellness we offer group wellness classes for seniors; offering a wide variety of classes to fit your needs. Our classes are led and designed by Dr. Patrice Hazan, DPT and our trained physical therapy team. We help seniors exercise in a fun, safe, and effective manner to improve strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility. We know the importance of making time for yourself and doing something you enjoy. Our classes not only offer benefits for your physical health but also your emotional health as our clients are able to form friendships and encourage each other through their fitness journeys. We would love for you to join and discover all that GroupHab has to offer. For more information please call our office at 864-525-2654 or visit our website at www.grouphab.com!
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