On the CDC website it says that adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week and 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity each week.
MACON, Ga. — Most people think of the physical benefits of exercisingbut there is also growing evidence of mental and emotional benefits.
Even just adding a couple of hours of activity spread out throughout the week can boost your mood along with your muscles.
Shawn Maxwell says that as a former athlete, he used to work out a lot, but after tearing his biceps and triceps, he had to stop working out. He is now dedicated to making his body move again.
“I’ve been off for about a year or two, so I’m really just trying to get back into the flow of things, into the groove. Trying to get back to where I am every day,” Maxwell said.
His ultimate motivation: he wants to live long enough to see his daughters get married.
But he noticed that his break from the gym had other effects.
When he wasn’t exercising, he says he would get lazy, make excuses, be unmotivated, and be unable to focus throughout the day. Now, he feels that he is back to normal.
“It helps me take my mind off things that happened yesterday. It helps me reflect on what I need to do to move forward. It clears my mind, prepares me for the day and makes me feel good,” Maxwell said.
Licensed therapist Madison Norris says that when it comes to mental health, your mind and body are connected. It’s easy to underestimate the influence of exercise and all the added benefits.
“There are a lot of pushes for us. Our pushes in our mood. They influence our focus. They help us feel more alert and lower our stress. I don’t know about you, but when we’re stressed we have a lot of muscle tightness,” Norris said. . “Exercise influences our endorphins because when we exercise there is a release of endorphins. There is a biological basis for this.”
About him CDC website says that each week adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity each week.
The CDC also says you don’t have to do those 150 minutes in one go. It could be as simple as a 20-minute walk around the neighborhood three days a week and then maybe an hour of yard work or some other activity.
Norris says to pace yourself and get used to the routine, don’t force it.
