The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise

Everybody knows exercise may improve your physic and health, but did you know that 15 minutes may save your emotional well-being.

“Exercise is one of the easiest and most effective ways of improving both your physical and mental health. A little regular exercise can ease depression and anxiety, boost energy and mood, and relieve stress. But you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. No matter your age or fitness level, there are lots of enjoyable ways to use physical activity to help you feel better, look better, and enjoy life more.”

When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling in the body, Kirby Pines presently offers a variety of opportunities for exercises that have proven to relieve stress and improve emotional health. These are just a few:

Tai Chi: Tai chi is an exercise that was derived from Chinese martial arts and focuses on being fully in touch with the present. It is sometimes called “meditation in motion” and is an excellent way to leave the worries of the day behind. Tai Chi is offered here on Monday afternoon at 2:00 in the Large Card Room.

Walking: one of the most popular forms of exercise requires very little in the way of equipment and can fit into any schedule. At Kirby Pines, we have more than a mile of beautifully landscaped walking trails and miles of inside walking. A Walk with Ease class is well underway and will be offered again in the spring.

Dancing: While many people do not think of dancing when considering stress relieving exercises, it does, in fact, give you a physical workout while improving agility and coordination. The social aspect of dancing helps in improving mental and emotional well-being while learning new steps exercises the brain as well. Check into our line dancing group that meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday afternoons in the PAC.

Water Aerobics: If you have issues that prohibit some other forms of exercise, water aerobics may be just the thing you need. Chest deep water takes 90% of your weight off your joints. Usually practiced with a group with similar physical needs, this stress-relieving activity has both social and meditative aspects that will calm the nerves.

Yoga Stretch: Balance and mobility are two key benefits for yoga. A series of deep breaths and time for meditation help participants feel restored and relaxed by the end of class. Our class here at Kirby includes standing and seated positions. No floor or mat poses are involved. Each pose is chosen with safety and beneficial stretching in mind to increase your mobility. Next time you “don’t feel like it,” remember that a walk or exercise class may be just what the doctor ordered to help you feel better about yourself.