Whether training for a marathon or trying to shape that summer body, working out has a lot more benefits than expected. Although it is obviously physically beneficial, there are many psychological benefits to exercise as well.
According to a study by Deslandes et al. (2009), there are various studies that support the claim that exercise increases quality of life. This means that we feel a better sense of accomplishment when we work out. There are also studies done on the necessary duration of exercise in order to experience these effects.
According to a meta-analysis by Petruzello et al. (1991), there is a variety of evidence showing that exercising for at least 20 minutes per day reduces anxiety. This makes exercise especially important as college students like myself grow closer to finals week. Additionally, Hillman et al. (2008) found that physical activity improves cognition and academic performance in students.
Lastly, according to a study conducted by Taylor et al. (1985), physical activity is shown to decrease symptoms of depression, increase self-confidence, and benefit mood. These benefits, as well as those mentioned earlier, prove that if you exercise regularly, you can strengthen your body while strengthening your mind.
Regardless of one’s reasoning for exercising, there are a plethora of benefits that make working out a fair investment of time. Whether you put in 20 minutes a day or 2 hours a day, exercising will make you feel better, be stronger, and be smarter. Get that summer body ready and you’ll also be getting that fall semester brain ready.
Those are my Thoughts for Food.
Deslandes, A., Moraes, H., Ferreira, C., Veiga, H., Silveira, H., Mouta, R., … & Laks, J. (2009). Exercise and mental health: many reasons to move. Neuropsychobiology, 59(4), 191-198.
Hillman, C. H., Erickson, K. I., & Kramer, A. F. (2008). Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nature reviews neuroscience, 9(1), 58.
Petruzzello, S. J., Landers, D. M., Hatfield, B. D., Kubitz, K. A., & Salazar, W. (1991). A meta-analysis on the anxiety-reducing effects of acute and chronic exercise. Sports medicine, 11(3), 143-182.
Taylor, C. B., Sallis, J. F., & Needle, R. (1985). The relation of physical activity and exercise to mental health. Public health reports, 100(2), 195.
Thoughts for Food 