THREE EXERCISE TIPS TO BETTER YOUR
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
Physical and mental wellness
are equally important and often
intertwined, given many
people take part in activities
that simultaneously enhance both
categories of health. However, the
everyday demands of life paired with
challenges during the pandemic have
caused people to de-prioritize their
physical and mental well-being.
“There is a symbiotic relationship
between mental and physical wellness,”
said Dr. Richard Carmona,
17th Surgeon General of the United
States. “Supporting both critical aspects
of health is equally important
but can be difficult, specifically during
stressful times like the current
pandemic. It’s extremely important
for people to look for alternative ways
to focus on both body and mind and
take active steps toward the pursuit
of overall wellness.”
A recent national study by Planet
Fitness demonstrates the pandemic’s
negative impact toward mental and
physical health. Three out of four
Americans (77%) reported that at least
one aspect of their overall health and
well-being had been negatively impacted
by the pandemic. A whopping
56% (nearly 138 million Americans)
said they haven’t made their mental
wellness a priority in the past year
while the same percent of the population
admit they feel stress and anxiety
more than ever before. But fortunately,
there is a light at the end of the
tunnel, with 92% of Americans whose
mental wellness has been impacted
by the pandemic reporting they are
doing at least one thing to improve it.
While these are concerning results,
the great news is the vast majority
of Americans are looking to
improve their current condition as
the pandemic has shed a spotlight on
the importance of fitness. Staying active
is going to help get everyone on
the right path and feeling great about
themselves both physically and mentally
while also reducing stress. Also
when you perform physical exercise,
your brain releases a chemical called
dopamine, commonly referred to as
the “feel good” chemical because of
its ability to contribute to your sense
of happiness and positive mental disposition.
Planet Fitness’ Head of Health and
TIMESLEDGER | Q 30 NS.COM | MAY 21-MAY 27, 2021
Fitness Excellence, Teddy Savage,
recommends three ways to enhance
an existing physical exercise regimen
or simply include as part of a new one,
which all are designed to better your
mental and physical well-being:
A stimulated mind is a happy one
Variety is the spice of life and that
can be tricky when stuck at home. To
keep your mind engaged and your
body active, try infusing fun out-ofthe
box elements into your normal fitness
routine. That could mean downloading
a fitness app chock full of
exercises, walking in a new neighborhood
park or, once you’re able, joining
a gym and kick-starting a new fitness
adventure with free guidance from a
certified trainer.
Slow and steady wins the race at the
gym
It’s best to start slow and finish
strong when exercising, especially
with weights or resistance machines.
Going light will still allow you to add
positive stress to the muscles, while
providing the chance to really perfect
the form and mechanics of each exercise.
This will ultimately create a better
environment for muscle growth
without causing too much stress on
the body.
Rest “actively”
Incorporate what is called “active
rest” during your cardio or between
weightlifting sets. For example, if
you’re on the treadmill jogging on an
incline, decrease the incline or slow
to a fast walk to catch your breath before
speeding back up again. Doing so
rather than stopping altogether keeps
your body working and blood flowing
as well as ensuring faster recovery
for muscles.
May is Mental Health Awareness
Month and the perfect time to try out
these mindfulness steps. This is the
perfect time to refocus on your mental
and physical well-being so you
feel your best, no matter the circumstances..
— Courtesy of BPT
HEALTH
/NS.COM
