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Chicago Health Coach Mike Ockrim is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialst (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a Certified Personal Trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) that will engage you in functional movement training programs, nutrition and cooking education, and sleep improvement plans to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Benefits of Exercise on Mental Health

Exercise is an important factor in maintaining good mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mood, and increasing overall well-being.

One of the key benefits of exercise for mental health is that it helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which are the body's natural feel-good chemicals. This can help to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve overall mood.

Another benefit of exercise is that it can improve sleep quality. Exercise has been shown to increase the amount of time spent in deep sleep, which is important for physical and mental recovery. Additionally, regular exercise has been shown to improve overall sleep quality, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Exercise can also have a positive impact on depression. Regular exercise has been shown to increase the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which play a key role in regulating mood. Exercise has also been shown to help reduce the symptoms of depression and improve overall well-being.

Finally, exercise can also improve cognitive function. Regular exercise has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve executive function, which is the ability to plan, organize, and make decisions.

In conclusion, the benefits of exercise for mental health are numerous and well-documented. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, reduce the symptoms of depression, and improve cognitive function. If you're looking to improve your mental health, incorporating exercise into your daily routine is a great place to start.