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by Stacey Kam | Staff Writer
The Stress of the Holiday Season
The holiday season can often bring significant stress: the burden of purchasing gifts, ensuring everyone is content, preparing for out-of-town guests… the tasks never seem to end. Additionally, the holidays may lead to feelings of disappointment, as months of planning culminate in a brief celebration, and then another year slips by in an instant. While we might indulge in plentiful holiday meals, studies indicate that exercise is an effective remedy for combating stress and overcoming feelings of sadness.
The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health
Craig Lewin of FitCorp, who owns Busy Body Fitness and Fitness HQ, emphasizes the vital link between mental health and physical wellness. Both fitness retail chains, with multiple locations across DFW, offer resources and a wide selection of home gym equipment. “Establishing a regular workout routine significantly enhances your mood. It provides you with cleaner energy, an improved mindset, and increased productivity,” Lewin explains. “Most importantly, the endorphins released during and after exercise dramatically reduce stress levels, leaving you feeling invigorated.”
Benefits of Regular Exercise for Mental Health
Data from the Mayo Clinic supports Lewin’s assertion that consistent physical activity can alleviate symptoms of depression in several ways, including the release of endorphins, the brain chemicals linked to positive feelings. Moreover, exercise may serve to prevent anxiety and depression from resurfacing after an individual begins to feel better.
Additional Psychological and Emotional Advantages of Exercise:
- Boost Your Confidence: Achieving exercise goals, no matter how small, can lift your self-esteem.
- Distract from Worries: Engaging in physical activity provides a break from negative thought patterns that often contribute to anxiety and depression.
- Enhance Social Interaction: Exercise can present opportunities for socializing and meeting new people.
- Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Participating in positive actions to manage anxiety or depression serves as an effective coping strategy.
Addressing the Barriers to Exercise
Lara Price, a Regional Fitness Specialist at Orange Theory Fitness, points out that many individuals harbor a pessimistic view toward exercise. They understand its benefits but often lack motivation or become bored when exercising alone. “Participating in group workouts can help shift this negative perspective and set you on the right path,” Price notes. “The group environment can be enjoyable and offers numerous advantages you might miss when exercising solo.”
Price lists some benefits of group classes, such as those offered by Orange Theory, including exposure to a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, guidance from certified professionals in crafting safe and effective workouts, a consistent schedule that prevents monotony, accountability to encourage participation, and sessions designed for individuals with no prior exercise experience.
“You don’t have to create the workout yourself,” she states. “Just show up and follow your coach. If your current routine has become stale, incorporating group exercise could be the perfect way to rekindle your enthusiasm and motivation.”
Motivating Onlookers
Orange Theory coach, Debbie Breihan, embodies the motivation her members need. “Many aspects draw me to being an Orange Theory coach. Primarily, it’s about helping individuals realize their fitness ambitions. I enjoy watching members push beyond their limits—training in ways they never imagined possible. Each session represents a new adventure in fitness—doing extra reps, increasing speed, and growing in confidence. The most gratifying feedback is witnessing the transformations in members’ bodies and their self-image,” she explains.
The Importance of Utilizing Home Gyms
Lewin advises his clients that having a home gym is beneficial only if it is actively used (instead of being a spot to hang clothes!). FitCorp even offers personal trainers to provide in-home assistance, ensuring clients can effectively use their equipment to maximize workouts. Many of Lewin’s long-time clients discover that they appreciate having both a home gym and a place for group exercise.
The Proven Benefits of Exercise
Ultimately, exercising is undeniably beneficial. “Everyone experiences some form of stress in their lives, and having an outlet is essential,” Lewin states. “Working out fosters strength, both physically and mentally, and equips you with a positive outlook. Let’s be honest, we all could use more positivity in our lives!”
“I firmly believe there is a direct link between mental health and physical wellness. Engaging in a structured exercise program allows your body to function more efficiently. Regular activity brings about increased energy, enhanced focus, and renewed vitality,” he continues.
“A wonderful side effect of consistent exercise is the transformation of one’s physique. Achieving greater strength, lean body mass, flexibility, fat reduction, and toning are all attainable results through regular workouts… Undoubtedly, a positive body image enhances self-confidence and self-esteem. We witness this transformation daily at Orange Theory Fitness!”
– Shane Adams, Regional Owner, Orange Theory Fitness
