Exercise is good therapy at our weight loss retreat we show you the way!
Quincy Martel, MA, Life Coach
An Article by:
In this day in age there seems to be a pill for every imaginable condition. At our weight loss retreat we see all kinds of people who have tried a multitude of different weight loss and feel good solutions. You name
it, there’s a quick fix out there in every color, shape, size and texture. Purple, pink,
white and yellow …modern medicine and consumers look to these colorful pills to
cure and treat symptoms related to medical and psychological problems. There is
absolutely a time and place for pharmaceutical interventions, however, oftentimes
behavioral changes, including nutritional dietary changes and increased exercise are
overlooked for a small pill colorful pill in the medicine cabinet.
There are natural chemicals located within the human body and brain, which are
stimulated by exercise. The chemicals produced in brain as result of exercise are
similar to synthetic antidepressants and anxiolytics (anti anxiety medications).
Exercise doesn’t come in pill form, but produces a natural happy pill sensation as
result of chemicals stimulated. One of the chemicals stimulated by exercise is called
endorphins. I’d like to coin the term “ENDORFUNS” because the chemicals and
emotions released within the brain are euphoric and pleasant. Fun happens as a
result of exercise. Whether it’s serving up that winning Ace on the tennis court,
hitting the birdie on the golf course, or running a person record at the 5k,
endorphins produce happy. The chemicals stimulate a natural high and positive
outlook and also work as natural analgesics and sedative. It layman’s terms,
exercise helps body relax and sleep.
At our weight loss camp and also seperate Studies have shown that unchecked stress, and anxiety will eventually lead to
depression in most cases. Anxiety and depression go together like peas and carrots.
These conditions may manifest with symptoms anger, panic attacks, weight gain,
weight loss, isolation, substance abuse, insomnia, or sleeping too much, loss of libido
and loss of interest. Anxiety and depression are a viscous cycle resulting in poor
self-image, which may lead to more depression. Depression may lead to high-risk
choices and poor self-care habits. Examples of poor habits and risky behaviors are
eating disorders, sexual promiscuity, and abuse of alcohol and drugs. The
wonderful thing is that bad habits may be unlearned and replaced with new habits
that help facilitate an individual’s positive outlook and build self-esteem. Research
is conclusive in multiple studies that individuals who exercise regularly have a
positive boost of mood, better self -esteem, better sleep cycles and lower rates of
anxiety and depression.
A consistent exercise regime not only has positive psychological results, by
reducing stress, anxiety and depression, but it also has physical health benefits.
Exercise helps facilitate weight loss, and decrease body fat. Exercise helps reduce
blood pressure, and cholesterol. Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle,
increases muscle and bone strength, and increases energy levels and libido. Who
doesn’t want that? A healthy mind in a healthy body is attainable naturally with
discipline and exercise. There is no time like to now to roll up your sleeves to get
started.
