dance cardio workout

But
what IS aerobic exercise??
According to the definition from the Global Healing Centers website
“Aerobic exercise is a type of movement such as running or cycling that gets your heart pumping faster and increases your oxygen intake.”
Fine examples of aerobic exercise are; running
dynamic yoga
cycling
fast walking
circuit training
skiing and rollerblading.

Ok
so we are all told we need to partake in aerobic exercise to obtain many benefits
such as
weight loss
better skin and muscle tone. But that’s not all! There are psychological benefits of aerobic exercise too!
So
what are the psychological benefits of aerobic exercise?

In short
the benefits are; improved mood
reduces anxiety
reduces depression and acts as a buffer against stress.
But lets go into a little more detail…

The Psychological Payoffs

Mood Enhancer

When we exercise aerobically
our bodies produces little chemical called endorphins
which
scientifically speaking
are polypeptides
which are able to bind to the neuron-receptors in the brain to give relief from pain. Endorphins are not just produced from exercise; they are also triggered by deep-breathing
meditation
eating spicy food and deep laughter. Just don’t do all five at once…
Endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the body; they relieve pain
they reduce stress
they enhance the immune system and they postpone the aging process.
It may be worth your while to stock up on some fitness equipment
they might make things easier for you. I prefer to exercise outside but I do have an indoor stationary bike
that way
if it’s raining
I have no excuse not to exercise.

Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Depression and Anxiety can lead to a feeling of isolation. Partaking in aerobic sports
one can choose to join a running club
swimming club
gym or any other sports club. It’s an excellent way to gain the psychological benefits of aerobic activity
because it gets you out an about and can put you in positions where you HAVE to speak to people.
Aerobic exercise offers a distraction. For an hour or so each day
you can put yourself in a position where you are too busy worrying about the prospect of having to run another two miles before you can stop.
Burning excess fat and toning up can boost anyone’s confidence. Clothes fit better
and you receive compliments from friends. Which often is enough to begin to lift the heavy cloud of a mild depression.

Stress Reduction

Do you feel like the whole world is collapsing on top of you? I think everyone does at one stage or another. If you keep positive
it will pass. Aerobic exercise is a great way to keep positive. When you are stressed
it is important to get enough sleep. Exercisers actually go to sleep faster
are more refreshed and have sharper memories. Exercise increases the blood flow to the brain
bringing extra sugar and oxygen
which can help when concentrating. And once again
the little endorphins can make you happier
making you feel like maybe it will all be ok after all.

So
in conclusion
exercise! There are too many benefits that you will be missing out on if you don’t.