by Coach Chris
Hang out near the door to Ripple Effect at the end of a class, and you’ll consistently see one thing: happy people. Why is it that everybody’s leaving the gym with a big smile, even though they worked their butts off?
Research across all different branches of science have consistently shown that exercise is good for more than just physical fitness. Adding consistent movement to your daily routine has life-changing potential for your physical health AND your mental health! Here are a few of the biggest mental benefits that movement can bring to your life.
1. Stress Relief and Improved Mood
One of the most immediate benefits of movement is its ability to relieve stress and boost your mood. When you move, your brain releases endorphins—often called “feel-good” hormones—that create a natural high. This doesn’t mean you need an intense workout to feel good; even gentle movement, like a walk, stretching, or light cardio, can stimulate these positive changes in your brain chemistry. Movement helps regulate your body’s stress response, making it a valuable tool for feeling calmer and more grounded. So often we hear from our members that they were cranky on the way to the gym, stuck in a low mood from work or life stress — but they leave feeling refreshed and in a completely different mental state! “I was a mess on the way here but I’m so glad I came!”
2. Connecting with Your Body in a Positive Way
Fitness doesn’t have to be about achieving a particular aesthetic; it can also be about learning to appreciate what your body can do. Trying new forms of movement, like yoga, dance, or strength training, allows you to explore your body’s capabilities and build a positive relationship with yourself. This kind of self-care encourages self-compassion, as you focus on small achievements and the enjoyment of movement rather than specific outcomes. Our bodies are truly amazing, and are chock full of potential — but we can only unlock this potential if we are willing to try something out of our comfort zone.
3. Boosting Mental Clarity and Focus
Movement has been shown to improve cognitive function, making it easier to concentrate, remember, and process information. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps improve mental clarity. So, if you ever feel like you’re in a fog or have trouble focusing, a quick, refreshing movement break can work wonders for restoring your mental sharpness. We’re often in our most creative state when we’re doing repetitive simple movement, like walking. Next time you’re feeling stuck on a problem, try going for a walk and let your mind wander!
4. Creating Community and Connection
One of the most rewarding aspects of incorporating movement into your self-care routine is the opportunity to connect with others. Exercising in a supportive group or fitness community can build a sense of belonging, help reduce loneliness, and provide encouragement. Being part of a community where you can be yourself and feel supported on your journey is an invaluable form of self-care. Even something as simple as going on a walk with a colleague or friend can strengthen our social bonds and lead to some deep conversations, that might not happen sitting at a coffee shop.
Embracing Movement as Self-Care
Choosing movement as a way to care for yourself allows you to tune into your body and mind in a meaningful, balanced way. Remember, movement doesn’t have to be intense or rigid. Find a pace and style that feels good to you, and let your fitness journey be a central, uplifting part of your self-care. Through movement, we can nurture our mental well-being, reduce stress, and reconnect with ourselves—creating a positive ripple effect in every part of our lives.
That’s exactly where our gym’s name came from — the idea that the time you put in the gym has positive benefits across all aspects of your life and well-being! We’d love to meet you and help you get started on your own movement journey. Book a Free Intro and let’s chat!
