5 Exercises to Improve Your Body and Mind

Mind-body exercises include meditation relaxation, strength training breathing activities and mind-body workouts

 

Hey, what's up babes! It's Team GymDeity, and today we've want to talk about something that's not only good for your body, but also for your mind. We all know how important it is to stay fit, healthy and sexy, but did you know that exercise can also improve your mental health? That's right, babes, it's time to Engage  your Mind and Body with these 5 exercises.

 

1. Yoga - This ancient practice not only improves flexibility and strength, but it also helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, who doesn't love a good downward dog?

2. Running - Lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement, because running is a great way to boost endorphins and clear your mind. It's also a great way to burn some calories and get your heart pumping.

3. Strength Training - Lifting weights isn't just for bodybuilders, ladies. It's a great way to improve bone density, increase muscle mass, and boost your confidence. Plus, you'll look and feel like a boss babe.

4. Swimming - Take a dip in the pool and reap the benefits of this low-impact exercise. Swimming not only works your entire body, but it's also a great way to improve cardiovascular health and relieve stress.

5. Dancing - Who says exercise has to be boring? Get your groove on with some dance moves and you'll not only burn calories, but you'll also improve your coordination and boost your mood.

Whether you’re after the physical or mental health benefits of exercise or both, there's an activity for everyone. So there you have it, babes - 5 exercises to improve your body and mind. And the best part? You don't have to do them alone. Grab your girls, put on some music, and get moving. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you.

Related: Benefits of exercise, Mind-body workouts.

We all know there are benefits to regular exercise - otherwise we might just sit on the couch all the time!

 

Physical benefits of exercise

Here are 5 additional physical benefits of regular exercise:

1. Heart health – Physical activity is associated with a healthy heart. Studies suggest that people who exercise regularly have lowered risk factors for cardiovascular problems, including reduced LDL (bad) and total cholesterol, and increased HDL (good) cholesterol.

2. Strong bones and healthy joints – Exercise can slow age-related losses of muscle mass, bone density and joint lubrication and flexibility. Weight-bearing activities cause new bone tissue to form and muscles to push and tug against bones, which strengthens both muscles and bones. If you already have joint issues, find out how to exercise with osteoarthritis.

3. Immune function – Regular exercise is associated with improvements in immune system health, meaning you may be less likely to catch a cold if you keep up your physical activity.

Some studies suggest this is due to reduced inflammation, improvements in psychological stress and/or enhanced immuno-surveillance, whilst others cite an increase in white blood cells as a reason. If you’re already feeling sniffly, read up on exercising with a cold.

4. Energy levels – If you’re feeling lethargic, your first instinct might be to have a lie-down or grab a coffee. But evidence suggests that doing the opposite may boost your energy levels. Active adults consistently report less fatigue and low energy levels than their sedentary peers.

5. Skin health – Exercise can help protect your skin from damage caused by oxidative stress. Physical activity can boost blood flow and stimulate the body’s response to oxidative stress, including the production of protective antioxidants.

Mental and emotional benefits of exercise

So, there’s no doubt about the physical benefits of exercise – but what about the benefits of exercise for your brain and emotions?

1. Stress relief – Exercise can have beneficial effects on stress and anxiety levels, leaving you feel more calm and relaxed. This may be due to reduced adrenaline and cortisol and increased serotonin and norepinephrine, which moderate the brain’s response to stress.

Or it could simply be that a good bout of physical activity can help you forget the stresses of your day – acting as a form of meditation. Either way, there may be a key to finding the optimal mix of activity, intensity, frequency and duration of exercise for stress relief.

2. Improved mood – Physical activity has been shown to improve mood and feelings of happiness. Exercise triggers endorphins, the brain’s ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters. Endorphins boost your mood and help you relax. Ever heard of the “runner’s high”? The expression refers to the feeling you get when the brain releases endorphins stimulated by exercise.

3. Focus and clear thinking – If you find yourself losing focus or getting forgetful, here’s another reason to exercise regularly. Physical activity delivers oxygen to the brain and related tissues. 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, five days a week is recommended to release brain chemicals that support memory, focus and mental concentration.

4. Promotes self-esteem – Physical activity has positive effects on self-esteem and confidence. These can be related to self-perceptions of attractiveness, physical condition and strength. To maximise self-esteem benefits, set goals for your exercise plan and celebrate reaching them when you get there.

5. Better sleep – Several research studies suggest links between regular exercise and improved sleep. Survey participants consistently cite physical activity as an important factor in being able to fall asleep and enhancing the quality of their sleep.

 

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