Best workouts to lift your mood

Written by Brendan Modini

Elle Woods rightfully said in Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't.”

Personally, I’ve never related more to a movie quote than that!

Elle was right; physical activity (and endorphins) can not only improve your mood but can also reduce your risk of anxiety and depression, not to mention so many other physical benefits too.

If you’re looking for the best workouts to lift your mood, we’ve got you covered!

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Forget your frustrations with a high-intensity workout

Joggers always rave about the ‘runner’s high’ they get while running.

Well, guess what?! You can get the same ‘high’ in more ways than just hitting the treadmill.

The trick for this style of workout is to get your heart rate up!

Getting sweaty, puffing, and pumping that heart rate releases an incredible dose of mood-improving endorphins into your body – this is what Elle was talking about.

Kick that heart rate up with these high-intensity workouts

·      Boxing – Develop core strength with boxing techniques and drills. This all over cardio and strength training workout will also improve your endurance, coordination and stamina.

·      Body Attack – Dial up your cardio routine with this high intensity, sports-inspired workout that brings out the athlete in anyone

·      RPM – RPM™ is the indoor cycling workout where you ride to the rhythm of powerful music.This cycle class is suitable for all fitness levels, with intense power training available for advanced cyclists.

·       Plus, so many other heart-pumping, high-intensity classes you can find on our timetable

Lift weights to lift your mood

If you’ve got a heavy mind, try some heavyweights – light to moderate ones are good too!

It’s often said that lifting weights can improve cognitive function and brainpower – you could say muscle memory has more than one meaning then, too!

Pump some iron with these weightlifting workouts

·       Bodypump – the original and the best barbell class that sculpts and tones your entire body

·       GRIT Strength – short, sweaty, and super-intensive strength workout where you can feel the burn

·       Personal Training Sessions – let us find you the perfect fit who can show you the ropes and build you a workout plan suited to your goals

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Mellow your mood with a mind-body workout

Hold up! Before you go any further, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Now repeat a few times.

Don’t worry, I’ll wait….

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Choosing a mind-body workout can

·       teach you to relax

·       focus on breathing

·       gives tight muscles a good stretch

·       improves posture

·       releases built-up tension

·       work at your own pace

·       and the list could go on…

The thought of this has me Zen already!

Downward dog into these mind-body workouts to uplift your mind

·       Yoga – balance, flexibility, and relaxation supported by a series of postures and stretches with equal importance on breath and encouraging the free flow of energy throughout the body

·       Body Balance – a trio of yoga, tai chi, and Pilates that works your core and builds strength through your back

·       Pilates – renowned for its body-sculpting benefits through core conditioning, building longer, leaner muscles, and improving flexibility

·       Plus, other mind-body classes you can find on our timetable

The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen

No matter what you choose, any of these workouts will leave you clear-headed, mood-boosted, and ready to conquer any challenge life will throw at you!