It has long been thought that exercise would cause further harm in patients with arthritis. Research has discovered that that is not the case. Watch the video to learn more . . .
~ Live Well ~
Trinity Fitness
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Exercise Is Wise
I know most of you are sticking to your New Year's fitness resolutions, and some of you may already be somewhat discouraged. Well I want to keep both types motivated to keep up the good work! I want you to know that there's more to exercise than just your physical fitness.
The psychological benefits of exercise are often overlooked. Unfortunately, as a society, we greatly focus on the physical benefits of exercise, such as weight loss, toned muscles and “six-pack abs.” Although these are remarkable benefits, the psychological benefits can be just as, if not more, significant than the physical benefits.
How Does Exercise Cause Psychological Changes?
Many theories about the benefits of exercise have surfaced from physiology and sports psychology studies and reports. A common area of study is neurochemistry. Scientists believe that when you are regularly exercising, chemicals called endorphins are produced in the brain and released into the body on a consistent basis. The word endorphin is abbreviated from the phrase “endogenous morphine” which is morphine produced naturally by the body. Endorphins are thought to relieve stress and pain naturally, and can give you a euphoric and invigorated feeling. Other theories focus more on the indirect effects of exercise. One popular opinion is exercise may create a distraction and provide an outlet from everyday sources of stress, therefore, positively enhance your state of mind. Another thought is muscle tension is reduced after an exercise session, and this too can also promote a feeling of relaxation and calmness. I know we can all use a little more relaxation and calm!
So what are the Psychological Benefits of Exercise?
There are many psychological benefits, but the most common are:
Decreased Daily and Chronic Stress: Exercise is one of the best ways to de-stress. As stated above, exercise can help relieve stress by the release of endorphins and/or by creating an outlet from daily tension and anxiety. With less stress, you will begin to feel more energized and have a higher degree of confidence. An exercise session is also a great time to watch television, listen to music or read a good book or magazine, things we don’t always have enough time to enjoy.
Improved Body Image: Today, many of you are unhappy with your physical appearance. You will quickly begin to see positive physical change, even with minor increases in physical activity. When you begin to see results, your body image perception and self-confidence increase.
Enhanced Moods: Exercise makes most people feel good and when you feel good, your mood naturally elevates. Whatever the reason, many studies show that regular exercisers have a more positive outlook and are happier overall in comparison to the inactive population.
Increased Mental Alertness: Stress and fatigue have a negative affect on our ability to concentrate, comprehend, and, unfortunately, on our memory as well. Since exercise is a great way to alleviate stress, increase energy levels, and build endurance and strength, a regular exercise routine will enhance mental alertness and can improve overall mental health.
Regardless of why or how your body psychologically reacts to exercise, the main point is that exercise not only improves physical health, but it also improves our moods and our mental health. Since it unites our bodies and our minds, continued regular exercise will definitely help enhance your quality of life!!
~ Live Well ~
Trinity Fitness
The psychological benefits of exercise are often overlooked. Unfortunately, as a society, we greatly focus on the physical benefits of exercise, such as weight loss, toned muscles and “six-pack abs.” Although these are remarkable benefits, the psychological benefits can be just as, if not more, significant than the physical benefits.
How Does Exercise Cause Psychological Changes?
Many theories about the benefits of exercise have surfaced from physiology and sports psychology studies and reports. A common area of study is neurochemistry. Scientists believe that when you are regularly exercising, chemicals called endorphins are produced in the brain and released into the body on a consistent basis. The word endorphin is abbreviated from the phrase “endogenous morphine” which is morphine produced naturally by the body. Endorphins are thought to relieve stress and pain naturally, and can give you a euphoric and invigorated feeling. Other theories focus more on the indirect effects of exercise. One popular opinion is exercise may create a distraction and provide an outlet from everyday sources of stress, therefore, positively enhance your state of mind. Another thought is muscle tension is reduced after an exercise session, and this too can also promote a feeling of relaxation and calmness. I know we can all use a little more relaxation and calm!
So what are the Psychological Benefits of Exercise?
There are many psychological benefits, but the most common are:
Decreased Daily and Chronic Stress: Exercise is one of the best ways to de-stress. As stated above, exercise can help relieve stress by the release of endorphins and/or by creating an outlet from daily tension and anxiety. With less stress, you will begin to feel more energized and have a higher degree of confidence. An exercise session is also a great time to watch television, listen to music or read a good book or magazine, things we don’t always have enough time to enjoy.
Improved Body Image: Today, many of you are unhappy with your physical appearance. You will quickly begin to see positive physical change, even with minor increases in physical activity. When you begin to see results, your body image perception and self-confidence increase.
Enhanced Moods: Exercise makes most people feel good and when you feel good, your mood naturally elevates. Whatever the reason, many studies show that regular exercisers have a more positive outlook and are happier overall in comparison to the inactive population.
Increased Mental Alertness: Stress and fatigue have a negative affect on our ability to concentrate, comprehend, and, unfortunately, on our memory as well. Since exercise is a great way to alleviate stress, increase energy levels, and build endurance and strength, a regular exercise routine will enhance mental alertness and can improve overall mental health.
Regardless of why or how your body psychologically reacts to exercise, the main point is that exercise not only improves physical health, but it also improves our moods and our mental health. Since it unites our bodies and our minds, continued regular exercise will definitely help enhance your quality of life!!
~ Live Well ~
Trinity Fitness
Friday, February 1, 2008
You are what you eat!
Ahhh, nutrition labels. Those little charts on the sides of boxes and bags with all those numbers and percentages on them. How on earth are you supposed to know what's what?
Do you read the nutrition facts before you put a box in your grocery cart? Just because the box on the front says “Low Fat”, do you know what constitutes “low fat”? Do you know how many carbohydrates are good for you and how many is too many?
Here is a great website article that fully explains what is contained on a Nutrition Facts label, how to read it and how to better understand all those numbers. If you are truly committed to making changes and leading a healthier lifestyle (and you wouldn’t be reading these blogs if you weren’t), then it is crucial to educate yourself about what it is you’re putting in your mouth.
Once you know how to read the label, it’s just as important to know what you need to consume every day in your diet in order to feel energetic, and to be healthy. Here is a great tool for you - - The Daily Needs Calculator. Enter your specific information, and it gives you the amounts of carbohydrates, protein and nutritional supplements you should be consuming daily. There are a lot of general statements on television, in magazines and on the internet about how many calories we’re supposed to consume, how many servings of vegetables, et cetera, but it’s important to know exactly what it is that you need based on your lifestyle. We are not all the same!
These are great tools to use as a guide and I hope you will!! Please don’t forget to email me with any questions at trinity.fitness@yahoo.com. Trinity Fitness is very happy to answer any of your questions!!
~ Live Well ~
Trinity Fitness
Do you read the nutrition facts before you put a box in your grocery cart? Just because the box on the front says “Low Fat”, do you know what constitutes “low fat”? Do you know how many carbohydrates are good for you and how many is too many?
Here is a great website article that fully explains what is contained on a Nutrition Facts label, how to read it and how to better understand all those numbers. If you are truly committed to making changes and leading a healthier lifestyle (and you wouldn’t be reading these blogs if you weren’t), then it is crucial to educate yourself about what it is you’re putting in your mouth.
Once you know how to read the label, it’s just as important to know what you need to consume every day in your diet in order to feel energetic, and to be healthy. Here is a great tool for you - - The Daily Needs Calculator. Enter your specific information, and it gives you the amounts of carbohydrates, protein and nutritional supplements you should be consuming daily. There are a lot of general statements on television, in magazines and on the internet about how many calories we’re supposed to consume, how many servings of vegetables, et cetera, but it’s important to know exactly what it is that you need based on your lifestyle. We are not all the same!
These are great tools to use as a guide and I hope you will!! Please don’t forget to email me with any questions at trinity.fitness@yahoo.com. Trinity Fitness is very happy to answer any of your questions!!
~ Live Well ~
Trinity Fitness
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