by Stacey Kam | Staff Writer
The festive season often brings its share of stressors, from budgeting for gifts and ensuring everyone’s satisfaction to preparing for visitors from afar. The pressure can feel overwhelming. Moreover, despite the excitement of months leading up to the holidays, it can also leave us with a sense of disappointment as it ends swiftly. While we might indulge in decadent meals, studies indicate that physical activity is an effective way to alleviate stress and combat feelings of sadness.
“It’s undeniable that mental and physical health are intricately connected,” asserts Craig Lewin, the proprietor of Busy Body Fitness and Fitness HQ, both of which operate multiple locations in the DFW area. These retail chains offer extensive knowledge and a complete range of home gym equipment. “Establishing a workout routine is key to feeling better. It enhances your energy levels, improves your outlook, and increases productivity. The release of endorphins during and after a workout significantly reduces stress, leaving you with an invigorated feeling.”
Evidence from the Mayo Clinic supports Lewin’s assertion that engaging in regular physical activity can alleviate depressive symptoms by triggering the release of endorphins, often referred to as the body’s “feel-good” hormones. Exercise may also serve as a preventive measure against the re-emergence of anxiety and depression once individuals start feeling better.
Additional psychological and emotional benefits of engaging in regular exercise include:
• Building self-confidence. Achieving exercise targets, no matter how small, can enhance your self-esteem.
• Distracting from negative thoughts. Exercise provides an escape from the cycle of worry that often fuels anxiety and depression.
• Increasing social interaction. Participating in physical activities offers opportunities to meet new people and socialize.
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms. Engaging in positive actions to manage feelings of anxiety or depression is a constructive approach.
So, if we recognize the benefits, what holds us back from exercising?
Lara Price, a Regional Fitness Specialist from Orange Theory Fitness, notes that many individuals harbor a negative perception of exercise. They may feel obligated to engage in it, recognizing its benefits but lacking motivation or interest in going solo. “Exercising in a group can help alleviate this negativity and set you on a positive path,” she explains. “Group workouts are enjoyable and provide a host of advantages that one might otherwise overlook.”
She highlights that group classes, like those offered at Orange Theory, foster a lively and safe atmosphere, provide expertly designed workouts from certified professionals, establish a consistent schedule that prevents boredom, and promote accountability—all without the need for prior exercise experience.
“You don’t have to plan your workout,” she emphasizes. “You just need to arrive and follow your coach. If your current routine isn’t exciting, incorporating group workouts could reignite your enthusiasm and motivation.”
Debbie Breihan, an Orange Theory coach, is one of these enthusiastic motivators. “There are numerous reasons I cherish my role as an Orange Theory coach. It centers on assisting members in reaching their fitness objectives. Witnessing members step outside their comfort zones and train in ways they once thought impossible is incredibly rewarding. Every day presents a new fitness adventure—whether it’s accomplishing one more rep, enhancing their speed, or boosting their confidence in their physical capabilities. The highest compliment comes when I see members transform and their self-assurance soar,” she remarks.
Lewin advises his clients that a home gym is only effective when utilized, rather than serving as a mere storage space! FitCorp even offers personal trainers who make house calls to teach clients how to properly use their equipment and optimize their workouts. Many of Lewin’s long-term clients discover that they enjoy having a home gym while also benefiting from group exercise.
Ultimately, the truth remains that exercise is beneficial for everyone. “We all confront various stressors in life and need outlets,” affirms Lewin. “Exercising strengthens you both physically and mentally, equipping you to face challenges with a more positive perspective. Let’s be honest; we could all benefit from a bit more positivity in our lives!”
“I firmly believe there’s a clear connection between mental health and physical wellness. Following a structured exercise program enhances your bodily functions, leading to increased energy, improved focus, and revitalization. Additionally, regular exercise leads to noticeable physical transformations—better strength, leaner body composition, improved flexibility, fat loss, and toning are all achievable outcomes. A positive body image undoubtedly boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, which we witness daily at Orange Theory Fitness!”
– Shane Adams, Regional Owner, Orange Theory Fitness
