30 Nov Exercise and Mental Health; the Relationship
Exercise and mental health should always be a priority. As it is the month of November we’re discussing all things “Movember”. Although it may seem it’s all fun and games growing a mo’, it’s definitely more than that. We want to raise as much awareness as possible around men’s health issues. In particular, mental health. With men unfortunately this can get swept under the rug and forgotten about. When we’re feeling down our health can be severely neglected, which in turn leads to negative thoughts. In saying this we want to encourage men, and of course, women to get out and be active. Not just for their weight, but for their mental health. There is a significant relationship between mental health and exercise. A recent research program has found that the higher levels of exercise an individual does, the higher levels of optimism in their life.
“When people get a problem like depression or severe mental illness, it affects their motivation and enjoyment of life, and that can drive physical activity down. But there’s also probably a reciprocal effect, in that when they exercise less, that seems to make [their mental health] matters worse.” ABC study.
The increase in exercise can benefit so many aspects in our life:
- helps you sleep better
- gives you an improved sense of control, coping ability and self-esteem
- provides a distraction from negative thoughts and a chance to have new experiences
- offers an opportunity to socialise and get social support if done with others
- changes the levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones and endorphins (substances that can block pain and may also enhance feelings of well-being)
We have put together a great high-intensity workout that is a little bit different from the usual gym routine. We know that not everyone loves to slog it out at the gym with weights, or even cardio on the treadmill. So we have a park workout that you can do outside or even in your backyard, all you need is a set of dumbbells!
- 30 secs Non-stop straight punches
- 10 Burpees
- 30 Secs non-stop uppercuts
- 9 Burpees
- 30 sec no stop punches high in the air above your head
- 8 Burpees
- 30 secs Non-stop straight punches
- 7 Burpees
- 30 Secs non-stop uppercuts
- 6 Burpees
- 30 sec no stop punches high in the air above your head
- 5 Burpees
- 30 secs Non-stop straight punches
- 4 Burpees
- 30 Secs non-stop uppercuts
- 3 Burpees
- 30 sec no stop punches high in the air above your head
- 2 Burpees
- 30 secs Non-stop straight punches
- 1 Burpee
This workout is an absolute killer and will get your heart rate up in no time! Let’s help raise men’s health issues together. If you haven’t donated to “Movember” you still can. Head to https://au.movember.com/donate/find-results/ and type in Martin Mamo if you wish to donate to his campaign!
