Feeling down or stressed? You're not alone. According to the Trimbos Institute, about a quarter of adults between 18 and 75 in the Netherlands will experience depression at some point in their lives. This applies to about nine percent of adults annually. Women between 18 and 34 are particularly susceptible. In this blog post, Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, explains how exercise and movement can help improve our mental well-being and boost our fight against stress and depression.
Taking the step to start exercising is a huge one, especially if you're struggling with mental health issues. The thought of a crowded gym full of sweaty people can be daunting even if you're feeling good, let alone when you're facing a mental challenge. It's therefore quite logical that people who feel mentally unhealthy or have experienced depression exercise significantly less often than those who feel mentally healthy (34-42 percent versus 53-56 percent).
That's a shame, because it's proven that regular exercise not only improves our physical health but also significantly contributes to our mental well-being. Exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins, which give us a natural sense of happiness. Research from the Sports and Exercise Knowledge Bank also shows that it can be an effective treatment for people with mild to moderate mental health issues, comparable to psychotherapy or medication. It leads to lasting improvements in how we feel and how we cope with stress. For example, one of our athletes shared in a previous blog post how she exercised her way out of burnout—slowly, step by step.
Anyone who's not feeling their best mentally won't want to mingle with sweaty powerhouses and toned fitness babes. Fortunately, there's no need for that. At Happy Bodies, you can exercise in a small, comfortable setting. Here, everyone can work on their physical and mental health at their own pace and level, under the guidance of their own personal lifestyle coach. A breath of fresh air, especially if you have ailments—both mental and physical. For those who want a gentle start, our Milon Circle is also ideal. In just two 35-minute sessions every ten days, you can train your entire body, completely tailored to your personal needs and without the risk of overexertion.
Want to know more about how to exercise effectively by training twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Then take the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. We bet you'll be sold right away!
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