Sometimes it can feel like a real effort to get off from the sofa and get to class, however never underestimate the power of a good exercise regime, not just on the body but on the mind and your over all well being. Exercise can enhance your mood, relieve stress and treat minor depression. Have a read in more detail of some of the way exercise can improve your mood:

  • Exercise can help you think more clearly and help you make better decisions.  Exercise activates a part of the brain which is important for decision making and the processing of emotions.
  • Exercise can help reduce negative moods. Part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex processes negative emotions like fear and helps us make decisions. Frequent exercise helps you process negative emotions more effectively and stay focused.
  • Exercise helps with stress. People who exercise can usually deal with stress more effectively. Exercise alters a part of the brain responsible for mood regulation, and a the part of the brain which alerts you to the presence of stress.
  • Exercise reduces tension and anxiety. Exercise increases your ‘serotinin’ level, the ‘feel good’ factor, which makes you feel happy and more positive.
  • Exercise can improve memory. Exercise increases the activity level in a part of the brain called the ‘hippocampus’ which is where you form new memories and retrieve old ones
  • Exercise increases body satisfaction. People who exercise usually report body satisfaction immediately after a workout. We release endorphins too, which makes us feel happy, and exhilarated.

I do really try to make my classes enjoyable and relaxed where possible.  I do realise we all need a place to relax, unwind, release tension  and a place to meet and laugh with each other. In my dance classes in particular I am getting great feedback about how much better you feel after class and how great it is to share the experience with friendly, like minded people.  This is so important for us all and a great incentive to keep active!

Bev x