Most of us know the physical benefits of exercise – weight control, reduced risk of diabetes, increased energy, to name a few.
But that’s not the only reason to stay active.
Did you know that working out regularly has a positive impact on your mental health too?
We are always more aware of the benefits of exercise for our physical health. However, the benefits of exercise for mental health are just as important.
When you exercise regularly you’ll feel more energetic throughout the day, have sharper memory & feel more positive about yourself and your life. This is all powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges.
A study conducted by The Centre during the Movement Control Order revealed that more than half of Malaysians experienced mental health issues during the lockdown.
If you are struggling with your mental health and anxious about working out, our advice is to start small & opt for 1-on-1 sessions with a personal trainer. Not only will you get a programme personalised for your unique body & goals, you will also be able to speak to your coach about your mental health challenges.
Here’s how personal training helps with your mental health:
1. Feel good about yourself
Maintaining a regular fitness routine is an investment in your mind & body.
By making your personal training sessions a habit, you will feel stronger, more powerful, even foster your sense of self-worth.
With your coach pushing you all the way, you’ll definitely feel a sense of achievement even when you meet the smallest of goals.
2. Stronger resilience
When faced with emotional or mental challenges in life, exercise can help you cope in a healthy way. More importantly, exercise prevents you from resorting to negative behaviours that ultimately can make your symptoms worse.
Working out regularly has a positive effect on anxiety & depression.
A personal trainer will push you to your limits, unleashing your physical strength & the warrior princess within.
When you work on your physical strength, you are working on your mental health too. This will definitely prep you for the day and whatever life throws at you!
3. Maintaining a ‘normal’ routine
During the MCO, everyone’s routines & schedules were thrown off balance, which unfortunately has a negative effect on our wellbeing.
Maintaining ‘normal’ routines are very beneficial for both our sanity & mental health.
Having 2-3 sessions with your personal trainer weekly gives you a sense of normalcy. Furthermore, this mimics similar routines we had before the MCO began.
4. Learn about your body
Personal training programmes aren’t cookie cutter programs, they’re personalised for your own unique body & goals, for you to get to know your body.
By hiring a personal trainer, you get to ask her questions that are catered to you, your lifestyle & your current condition. In return, you’ll get specific feedback that is tailored to your lifestyle.
This will help you understand what works or what doesn’t for you.
5. Human interaction
After spending 90 days in lockdown, many of us have forgotten how to interact or socialise with others.
You’ll be able to get your daily dose of human interaction when you attend 1-on-1 sessions with your personal trainer. This removes any worries about being exposed to too many individuals. Plus, you’ll get to re-learn social skills with us!
When you’re feeling down & haven’t exercised for a while, it’s best to set achievable goals & slowly build up from there. Without a doubt, it is great to aim high. However, not being able to meet your goals might leave you feeling unmotivated if you fall short.
A personal trainer will not only help you set realistic goals that are achievable – she will be sure to keep you on track to hit those goals.
