The Mental Health Benefits of Training
I rely HEAVILY on routines to manage my anxiety- and that includes following a predictable strength program that allows me to see progress with consistency.
We don’t talk enough about the ways in which training benefits those of us who deal with anxiety and depression.
Following a routine of movement alone promotes everything from better sleep to improved feelings of well being (and we all know what sleep deprivation does for our mental state 😫).
Following a training program?
Besides all the things I listed above, it’s lovely to have one less thing to think through, to have to decide what’s next.
Because every decision you have to make will add some amount of stress to your life (and all those tiny decisions ADD UP to people who deal with anxiety).
And that familiarity that comes with knowing your routine? It’s pretty damn soothing if you ask me.
The longer you stick with a program, the more dialed in you become to what’s being asked of your body, the easier it is to know when to progress, and the more satisfying it is to be able to go heavier, move in a new plane, add a balance challenge to that same move.
All of that leads to feeling both confident and empowered in ways that follow you outside of your workout time.
Author
Gretchen
Coach
Growing up I was a half-hearted athlete who struggled with my relationship with both food and exercise. I smoked for over a decade and spent much of my youth either binging or not eating at all. But after breaking my leg in a car accident, months of physical rehab and years of psychological counseling lead me to a renewed appreciation for my health and my ability to just move-something I'll never take for granted again. I overcame a lot and have spent much of my life sharing what I've learned. I became a NASM personal trainer over 16 years ago. The type of clients I've trained and my own personal interests lead me to attain many other certifications. These include Sports Specific and Orthopedic exercise specializations, Pre and Post Natal exercise, MMA conditioning, and ACE Mind Body Specializations. I've taken 2 TRX qualifying courses in general and functional fitness. I am Kettlebell certified through both NETA and Kettlebell Kings, also completing an independent study facilitated by Steve Cotter, founder of the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation. I am also a certified Animal Flow Instructor. In the fall of 2021, I became a Certified Intuitive Eating Facilitator, as IE was integral to my own ability to divest from diet culture. I think this was the missing piece to be able to put together a holistic, meaningful training program for all my clients.
