What is Fitness?
Fitness is the state of being physically healthy and capable of performing routine activities. It is mainly attained and sustained through regular physical exercise along with proper nutrition and adequate rest. Physical exercise such as walking, jogging and cycling or participating in sports can be the key to good fitness.
What is the Mind-Body Connection?
The mind consists of various mental states such as moods, thoughts, viewpoints, emotions and beliefs among others that can influence your state of health. The mind-body connection refers to how your brain and thoughts influence the body and its physical responses or functions.
Science of Fitness and Mind-Body Connection
Studies have shown that regular physical exercise or activity brings about chemical changes in the brain. When you exercise, the moving muscles begin to use oxygen at a higher rate and the heart pumps more oxygenated blood to the brain.
This causes the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals, in the brain. These chemicals may contribute to the formation of new connections among nerve cells in the brain and even spur the growth of new cells leading to higher mental function.
Therefore, people who exercise regularly and who are in good physical shape are likely to have more energy, improved mind-body connection, a higher level of mental agility and an increased sense of well-being.
Significance of Fitness and the Mind-Body Connection
Improving your fitness can have a positive effect on your thoughts, feelings, emotions, beliefs, and attitudes and thus your entire mental state. The opposite also holds true. If you think and feel positive, your body will function like a well-oiled machine. Conversely, if you think negative thoughts, this can invite pain and illness.
The bottom line is: Fitness and the mind-body connection go hand in hand and are interlinked. The more you look good on the outside, the more you feel good on the inside, and the more you want to improve your fitness.
It is recommended that you consult your physician before starting any type of fitness routine.
Benefits of Fitness and the Mind-Body Connection
Better fitness and a superior mind-body connection may help you with:
- Reducing anxiety, depression or stress
- Enhanced physical and emotional well-being
- Better cognitive function, positive mood
- Active body, sharper mind, a better sense of control
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
- Strengthened immune system
- Improved health and quality of life
