Top 5 psychological benefits of fitness

It is not surprising to know that fitness and sports in general, have positive effects on your physical health. But there is even more good news for you! In recent years, research has highlighted the positive effects of fitness on your mental health. Here are the top 5 psychological benefits of fitness!

1. Raise moral

You wish to burst of happiness and reach the apotheosis? Then get involved in a physical activity such as fitness. Play sports, practice at home, go to the gym or go for a walk. Physical activity triggers chemical compounds in your brain that will make you feel happier and more relaxed. In addition, the sport releases endorphins, which in turn create the feeling of happiness and joy  and increase the level of neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These influence your energy level and your good mood after a hard workout.

However, stress and depression can influence how your brain works and can also change the behavior of your brain. This means that skipping your sports sessions, when you feel depressed, can prolong your bad mood for a while longer. The more exercise you do, the more your body will produce chemical compounds that make you happy . This explains why some people may have the impression of having an addiction: " I need to play sports, otherwise I feel unwell ".

Do not just think of fitness as a way to lose weight and have a dream body, it can also help you feel better. A more rhythmic physical activity, accelerating the heart rate, is a very effective way to change mood quickly. Have you ever thought of running away from your job or maybe you've done it before? This feeling of freedom and joy after running away from a multitude of things that annoy you. A physical effort can actually help you change your mood and make you feel strong, confident and ready to go anywhere!

2. Improve concentration

During a physical activity, it is not only your muscles that receive a steady flow of oxygenated blood, but also your brain. Fitness will therefore increase the level of a neurotransmitter called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which encourages the creation and survival of neurons and improves the transmission of signals from the nervous system to the brain. through the brain. That's why a hard training session can leave you in the end in a state of bliss.

In addition, attempting new exercise programs can develop new synapses (region of interaction between two nerve cells through which the chemical message passes) and thereby enhance cognitive functions in order to successfully execute the movements. So try doing long training sessions with different types of exercises, maybe you'll get a Nobel Prize!

3. Reduce stress and depression

Difficult day at the office? Walk, go to the gym or use a fitness app at home (of course we suggest 101 Fitness ) for a quick session. One of the most common psychological benefits of fitness is stress relief . Doing fitness until you sweat helps you fight against physical and mental stress. It also increases the concentration of norepinephrine, a chemical compound that helps your brain respond better to stress. So, go ahead and sweat!

However, scientists agree that further research is needed to determine the causal relationship between fitness and depression on a life-size test, which takes time, since many factors (social, diet, sleep, other addiction etc.) .) interfere in the fight against depression.

4. Improve sleep

Fitness and other sports improve the quality of your sleep by helping you fall asleep faster and more deeply. Better sleep also improves your psychological health the next day as well as your mood. So a good sleep habit has a positive impact on you : faster physical results, better mood, more toned skin, more energy, etc.

For some, moderate training can be the equivalent of a sleeping pill, even for people with insomnia. When the body temperature returns to normal a few hours later, it indicates that it is time to go to bed. Be careful not to practice fitness or other sports too late at night. Evening practices a few hours before sleep can leave you in a state too dynamic to fall asleep, 5 or 6 hours before being the perfect time.

We recommend the following diagram if you want to practice the sport at the end of the day: fitness, stretching, shower, dinner, rest / walk (and last stretch if forgotten) and finally go to sleep.

5. Boost self-confidence

Regular physical activity, like fitness, can boost your confidence and self-esteem. As your strength, skills, and stamina increase with your fitness practice, your outlook on you also changes positively. With this renewed vitality and overflowing energy, you are more apt to succeed any physical feat (open a bowl of gherkin for example). From success to success, nothing will stop you!

Regardless of weight, height, sex and age, fitness can quickly also improve the perception of your physical attractiveness. Being good in your body, there is all the interest of fitness. Do not try at all costs to do this for others, but do it for yourself . Attracting attention and hearing positive comments about your body often seem to make you happy and make you more confident, but for others not. Today is the time to start and to have no excuse. You can succeed in getting the body you want to have!