There is nothing quite like an afternoon workout to de-stress after a long day. Sweating it out at CycleYOU might be your therapy of choice, but you should know the calming power of exercise is far from theoretical. Years of research have found that sweating it out has a true psychological impact on you — changing your brain chemistry for the better.
“When stress affects the brain, with its many nerve connections, the rest of the body feels the impact as well,” according to the Anxiety And Depression Association of America. “So it stands to reason that if your body feels better, so does your mind. Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers—and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.”
With so many brain-boosting benefits, you would think that everyone would keep up with their workout routine. Unfortunately, less than 5% of adults get the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and only one in three adults get the right amount of weekly exercise.
How can I get motivated to exercise?
If you are inspired to use exercise as a stress-relieving tool but are trying to find the motivation, consider the following tips.
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Have fun
Number one rule for CycleYOU!! Working out should not feel like a chore. Find a fitness experience that you genuinely enjoy and stick with it. This way, you will feel motivated by the sheer joy of the workout.
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Schedule your workouts
You wouldn’t skip a professional meeting that is in your calendar, right? Then you should schedule your workouts the same way.
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Keep your routine interesting
Shake up your routine! Alternate between yoga, TRX training, and indoor cycling. This way, each workout experience is fresh and exciting.
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Make fitness friends
By turning gym acquaintances into real friends, you can hold each other accountable to your workouts. And sharing your favorite exercise experiences can also turn into your catch-up time.
As you motivate yourself to workout, remember the benefits of sweating. You will be a more well-rounded and healthy person if you stick to an exercise routine. Whether you find solace in cycling studios or on yoga mats, your mental and physical health will thank you for making the commitment.