Have you ever heard that you are just one workout away from a better mood? Although some enjoy this mood boost with every workout, when starting out, it is best to ease in. If it’s too intense it can interfere with feelings of enjoyment and it becomes harder to stick with it long-term.
What makes a single workout so effective for improving mood? One reason may be that the challenge of effortful movement demands our full attention. This focus on the present helps us clear our minds of thoughts about our past or worries about the future. As we exercise, our brains receive higher amounts of blood flow to increase our alertness as we learn to better coordinate our muscles. Effortful exercise is a way of doing something good for yourself and is a tangible way to take greater responsibility for your health. This explains why many enjoy a sense of achievement with every bout of exercise.
A single exercise session also improves how you feel about yourself. It increases self-efficacy, the belief that you can influence the outcomes of important tasks. As your heart rate climbs, you release a feel-good brain chemical that helps us learn and remember. This is the same feel-good chemical that is increased by antidepressant medications, so exercise is our natural way of feeling better.
So let’s make getting started with exercise that much easier!
Current members of Treo Wellness Coaching now have access to the free at-home fitness content of FitOn. FitOn provides enormous variety with virtual workouts focused on cardio, strength, yoga, and more. Whether you have equipment or not, there is a fitness class to meet your needs.
A new tile on the Treo Habit Builder home screen provides quick access to your FitOn account. On your phone or computer, it helps you meet your physical activity goals anywhere. Members will have a choice to upgrade or access free content at their convenience.
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