Heading to the Gym for Endorphins

I sent my husband a text yesterday: “Heading to the gym.”

He wrote me back within two seconds: “Good for you!”

I know what he’s really thinking: “Thank goodness! She’s been so grumpy these past few days. She’s going to feel so much better after a good workout.”

And he’s right. I felt so much better.

I showed up at the gym with the bare essentials. Proper footwear, water and a towel. I was determined to take a step aerobics class that includes a quick upper body workout with weights.

In the lobby at the gym, I ran into a great group of friends I’ve met over the years. I didn’t have to tell them anything. They knew by looking at my face that I was in a sour mood. I needed a strong dose of endorphins – those feel-good chemicals a body releases during exercise.

You see, it had been three days since my last workout. And it doesn’t take a peer-reviewed study published in a well-respected medical journal for me to know that exercise is good for my mental health. I live this fact every day.

It’s one of the reasons I work out so consistently. I feel better. I sleep better. And I’m just nicer to be around.

If that doesn’t encourage you to exercise, do it for your family.

They’ll be happy for you, too.

Just ask my husband.

Alice Warchol is a freelance health blog writer and fitness instructor.

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