The Benefits of Fitness

In this info packet, we’ll discuss how fitness can help you stay healthy and energetic while improving your confidence and relieving stress.

Topics we’ll be covering:

1. The science behind fitness and mental health

2. How it can help your situation

3. How you can start

4. A testimonial & piece of advice

The science behind it:

• Aerobic exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, and dancing are proved to reduce anxiety and depression.

• During these exercises, you increase blood flow to the brain and activate something called the HPA axis, which directly relates to stress and stress reduction.

• Exercise has been found to improve cognitive ability, self-esteem, and even social withdrawal. (National Library of Medicine)

How it can help you:

• Exercise can help you if you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, or just a negative mood.

• Also, exercise can improve your self-image and confidence. Accomplishing a fitness goal is one of the best feelings you can experience. (Dr. Shawna Charles from Walden University)

How to start (if you’re a beginner):

• The first steps don’t have to be major, a daily walk, run two or three times a week, do a couple of sets of crunches, just experiment!

• Set a goal.

• It’s all about taking small steps towards your goal and here at Carna, we believe that you can meet any goal you set for yourself.

• If you’re having trouble, message us on Instagram (@carna.mentalwellness) and we’ll help you out.

A testimonial & piece of advice

I started working out during the pandemic and honestly, it is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I started out with no strength, speed, or stamina, but by being consistent I made progress! I started by doing home workouts consisting of pushups, situps, and some weight lifting. After a while, I started running and made progress in that as well. This did, however, come with challenges, at some points in my fitness journey I had depression and worse, but after I got past that I went straight back to my routine and with the help of exercise, my mental health is in the best condition it’s ever been! I wish you all good luck on your fitness journeys and remember, Carna is here to help!

Thanks for reading, Allen Podgola

If you'd like to print out this info packet, the easiest way is to print this google doc! FYI: It doesn't have all the links and related info that are on the online versions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FdbhErThlNkJAhAnMh9iB0F8oKgUfko4gWXehlEoUUM/edit?usp=sharing