Friday, 11 May 2012

Mental Health & Exercise

The benefits of physical activity and exercise on our physical health are well-documented, evidenced and reported; most of us can all comfortably recite most of these benefits quite swiftly - improved mobility, improved strength and endurance, improved bone density, reduced risk of Osteoporosis, reduced risk of CHD, normalised blood pressure and improved cholesterol and weight management for starters.

Physical activity and exercise has many benefits for mental health and well being, these include, improved mood, reduced anxiety, decreased risk of clinically diagnosed depression, improved self esteem and confidence, increased physical self worth, improved body image and improved cognitive functioning.

According to the Mental Health Foundation an average of one in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem over the course of a year. Debbie Lawrence and Sarah Bolitho look at the arena of mental health issues and explore how exercise can help.

"Improved circulation of endorphins, contribute to the 'feel good factor' being experienced" 

What Type of Exercise?

There is no type of exercise which will suit everyone, and all mental health conditions. Exercise has to be accessible, enjoyable of an appropriate frequency, intensity and duration, and must fit with an individual's lifestyle, needs, likes and dislikes; not least because these factor promote adherence.

Social benefits...

Meeting others and sharing experiences enables integration, inclusion and belonging (rather than exclusion and alienation)

Any more advice or tips please email Faye on : face2facefitness@hotmail.co.uk or add her on Facebook: Fehmida Donnelly

Happy exercising every1







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