Following a slow and tumultuous two years or so, we all need a bit of a boost and exercise and regular physical activity is a fantastic way of improving your mood. No matter how intense or long the workout, you can reap some of the mental benefits of regular exercise. These benefits include improving mood, due to the release of endorphins, regulating and helping decrease feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and helping to shape your mind and provide mental fortitude.

Regular exercise helps with weight loss, alongside a calorie deficit. Exercise can help to increase your metabolic rate, which can help you to burn more calories. Exercise is vital for a healthy metabolism.

Exercise helps to maintain muscle mass and bone function - two very important things for a good quality of life! Muscle mass and strength decrease exponentially as we age, and without physical activity and exercise there is a heightened risk of suffering from diseases and comorbidities such as sarcopenia, frailty, falls and dynapenia. So do yourself a favour and hit the gym!

Finally, the gym can breathe new life into your body and soul. Hitting targets, smashing PB’s, making new friends, even using new machines and completing exercises can provide you with ‘quick wins’ giving you a boost in mood and confidence! Regular exercise can help provide structure to your day, increase energy levels, improve the quality of your sleep, sharpen your focus, and improve your general mood. When we look at the bigger picture, the gym and regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic disease, heart disease, and improve skin health.

Just remember, the most valuable investment you can make is one in yourself.