How Fitness Can Boost Your Mental Health

Physical activity can transform someone into the best shape of their life and live a healthier lifestyle. Constant activity can also help individuals in other facets of their life and well-being. 

Implementing exercise in a daily routine is a significant life investment as it can help improve an individual’s mental health. It can help lift your mood and fight negative feelings such as depression and anxiety. Exercising can distract you from outside factors that can cause stress or negativity. It can also improve your sleep habits, in which you have more energy throughout the day and boost your self-confidence. 

According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, people who participated in physical exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced an improvement in their mental health by easing aspects like depression, stress, and anxiety. 

Many people rely on attending their local gym to live a clean lifestyle and boost their activity levels, but there are other ways to stay active. Rather than spending a lot of time sitting, you can regularly walk at your local park, clean your home, or dance, which can help you move around and burn calories. 

AARP Texas has partnered with FitMix Communities to provide the community with a ZUMBA workout that can benefit their mind, body, and spirit. FitMix Communities is an organization that is dedicated to establishing health and support for the public. More than 75,000 people have already taken advantage of their services. The workout, which includes both low and high-intensity movements, is suitable for everybody. It combines elements like cardio, flexibility, and balance. These are all essential for improving strength and conditioning.

Viewers can join AARP Texas and FitMix Communities to be a part of the experience by registering for the free series. It will be provided virtually through zoom, where viewers can interact with other participants from across the United States through the comfort of their own homes. An AARP membership and home gym equipment are not required to participate in the festivities. 

There will be three fitness events throughout March, and each will run from 10 a.m. (CST) to 11 a.m. (CST).

Fit Fridays: Zumba For Caregivers 

Friday, March 11 | Friday, March 18 | Friday, March 25

There are also many resources available on www.aarp.org that promote healthy living. Many videos guide the viewer through yoga, cardio, strength, toning, and losing belly fat. Articles are also available where readers can focus on improving their diet and nutrition to live a healthier lifestyle. 

If you have any questions about the fitness events or would like to learn about volunteering for AARP, please send your questions to aarptx@aarp.org.

Story by Marc Ray