Exercise and Endorphins Make This Girl Happy

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 did feel better.

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

In the lobby, I ran into a bunch of my friends I’ve met over the years at the gym. I didn’t have to tell them I was in a sour mood. My face said it all. 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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