Why Counselors Use Exercise As Mental Health Treatment

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Regular exercise has many benefits to our body. It can help decrease your risk for heart diseases, diabetes, and other health problems. But did you know that exercise can also affect your brain?

Many studies have proved the role of exercise in reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. Exercise can also ease symptoms of social withdrawal and low self-esteem.

Read on if you want to learn more about the connection of physical activity to your mental health. Who knows? This might be the sign you’ve been waiting for to start being physically active!

How Does Physical Activity Improve Mental Health?

There are many possible causes of depression. While we cannot always identify the exact cause, many different factors come into play. Stress, for one, may lead to depression. But fortunately, exercise can play a role in stress management!

An active lifestyle has a lot of benefits to your mental health. We listed down some of the reasons why you should get up and start moving.

  1. Exercise Boosts Your Endorphins

Endorphins are also called the feel-good neurotransmitters of the brain. It puts you in a good mood and increases your sense of well-being.

Runner’s High

But it’s not just endorphins that your body releases when you exercise. If you’ve ever had a euphoric feeling after a run, then you might have experienced what we call a “runner’s high.” For years, we have credited endorphin for this comfortable post-run feeling. However, chemical substances called endocannabinoids naturally produced in the body are the more likely the heroes of “runner’s high.” 

Still, endorphins play a role in preventing your muscles from aching. More studies have yet to back this up, but we surely know that we have often felt euphoric after a good exercise session!

  1. Exercise Improves Your Sleep

Depression is deeply connected to sleep. Among the many symptoms of depression are sleeping problems like insomnia. Signs of depression in teens also include sleeping too much.

But did you know that exercise can work as effectively as prescription sleep medications? Stress and anxiety can keep you awake for hours and make you lose sleep. But since physical activity has already improved your mood (thanks to endorphins and endocannabinoids), you’re more likely to sleep more easily at night!

Additionally, since exercise is tiring, it makes you feel sleepy. However, you have to note that exercising to the point of exhaustion is also not good. Taking short walks or doing your daily chores can improve your sleep.

  1. Exercise Increases Your Confidence

Taking your physical activity sincerely means you tend to set goals and plan your schedule. Some people take part in challenges, too. When you meet these goals, you feel a sense of accomplishment, thus improving your self-confidence.

Some people set goals for getting into their desired shape. They feel better about their appearance once they reach this goal.

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Why Is Working Closely With A Counselor Or Therapist Important?

Anyone can develop exercise routines on their own. You can take a walk in the park, bike to work, play basketball, or even do your daily chores, and they already count as exercise. But if you’re seeing a counselor or therapist, you have to discuss your routines with them. You have to let them help you primarily if you have other health problems or haven’t been exercising for a long time. They can tailor a routine according to your preference and toleration. 

Best Physical Activities For Your Mental Health

Many studies suggest that aerobic exercises are beneficial to people with depression. These include:

  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Running
  • Jogging
  • Swimming
  • Dancing

Ensure to get your doctor’s approval regarding your routine. Take into account their suggestions, as some health problems might prevent you from certain aerobic activities. Take arthritis, for example. Typical aerobic exercises may be too hard on your joints and even worsen your condition. A professional may suggest aquatic exercises instead. They ensure that your routine does not interfere with your overall treatment plan.

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How Much Exercise Do You Need?

While lack of movement is not good, too much physical activity can also be harmful to you. This can even result in injury! Be patient and work gradually.

Most healthy adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (walking, swimming) weekly. Meanwhile, you can have 75 minutes of high-impact aerobic exercises (running, biking). 

Do not set unrealistic goals. Instead, aim for activities you enjoy doing, with the approval of your doctor, of course!

It’s Time To Get Moving!

Take a step to a healthier body and mind! Consult your counselor or therapist now and work with them in developing an exercise routine fit for you.

Physical activity can improve mental health. However, this alone is not enough treatment for depression or anxiety. Exercise is a beneficial addition to other therapies and medication that your doctor prescribed.

The Significant Fitness Therapy Benefits

Fitness Therapy, also known as exercise treatment or exercise-based rehabilitation, refers to the use of physical activity and exercise as a therapeutic intervention to improve health, well-being, makes you feel good, and overall quality of life. It is an integral component of various healthcare and rehabilitation programs, aiming to prevent or manage a wide range of conditions and promote overall physical and mental wellness. It involves the guidance and supervision of qualified professionals such as physical trainer, exercise physiologists, or exercise trainers. These experts assess an individual’s unique needs and develop personalized exercise programs tailored to their goals and capabilities. The exercise may be employed in diverse settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, gyms, or even home-based programs.

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Fitness Therapy

Just like with other kinds of therapy such as art therapy, yoga therapy, exposure therapy and more, fitness therapy is not new, but it is an effective way to get into shape and stay healthy. Through personal training, group classes, and group fitness sessions on this therapy, individuals can learn the right exercises to be physically healthy. With the education and personal services provided by certified professionals, participants are able to understand how each exercise works and why it is important for them to do it. They also learn proper techniques to best target their individual needs and goals, prevent injury, and improve workout progress.

One of the primary goals of fitness therapists is to help individuals reach his/her highest potential and peak performance. Physical training ensures that you achieve overall wellness.

  • Motor Imagery therapy is a visual and mental rehearsal of what an event or sensation will be like, in reality, can stimulate different senses.
  • Pre-performance routines in therapy sessions can fit both athletes’ and sports-inclined individuals. These are physical and mental actions they do before their fitting event.

Fitness therapy is a type of treatment that uses physical activity to improve mental and physical health. Whether it’s personal training or group training, it has many benefits, including improving mental health, improving physical health, and reducing stress levels. Fitness therapy can be used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Fitness therapy focuses on total body health & wellness by conditioning the patient’s entire body instead of concentrating on the specific injured area(s).

fitness ball
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Fitness therapy can also help to improve physical health by helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It has been shown to be an effective and quality treatment for many different types of conditions, and it can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

Fitness Therapy Program

There are also programs for the community of people who want to have a good sweat. There are also wellness centers that provide psychotherapy, motivational enhancement therapy, nutritional support, academic support and assessments, mind-body therapy modalities, yoga classes, life coaching, fitness classes, dance classes, pilates, rehabilitation and much more.

Fitness Therapy Specialist

The Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) regulates standards for professionals in sports psychology. Fitness specialists are people who provide certifications to qualified individuals. Be aware of your physical specialist’s interested manners and subject when working with you.

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Check how professional their care is and if it pushes you to your best self.

Fitness Therapy

Fitness therapy is a revolutionary way of providing great results in your physical health training, and it has been gaining popularity over the years. It involves creating a group setting where different levels of trainers can offer their knowledge and experience to help people reach their goals. This sharing of information helps clients to foster efficiency that is tailored to their individual needs.

It is based on evidence-based practices, which are proven to be effective through scientific research. In this type of treatment, the client and the trainer set specific goals and take steps to achieve them in an efficient manner. Working with a professional fitness therapist in a fitness studio setting allows people to get motivated and personalized attention. All the trainers are very dedicated and have all the equipment and workouts prepared before you.

Life and mental health professional specialists help you manage your mood and increase your focus on motivating yourself.

How to Approach Fitness And Exercise: Guide For Beginners

When approaching fitness therapy as a beginner, it is important to start fitness therapy gradually and seek professional guidance. Before starting any exercise program, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a physician or physical therapist, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. They can provide valuable insights, evaluate your current fitness level, and make recommendations based on your specific needs.

As a beginner, it is wise to start with low-impact activities that are gentle on the joints and muscles. Walking, swimming, or cycling are great options to build cardiovascular endurance without putting excessive strain on your body. Then, gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts as your level improves. Make sure to align the activities and high quality personal training on your schedule as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Healthiness A Form Of Therapy?

What Is The Difference Between Exercise And Fitness Therapy?

What Does Fitness Mean?

What Are The Five Components Of Wellness?

What Is The Difference Between A Personal Trainer And An Exercise Physiologist?

How can I improve my physical training?

How do beginners get fit?

Is exercise therapy the same as physical therapy?

Which is better physical therapy or physiotherapy?

What is true physical fitness?

What is exercise training?

What is the main purpose of exercise therapy?

How exercise is a form of therapy?

What are the different types of physical training?

What are the types of therapeutic exercises?