People start fitness training for all kinds of reasons that range from losing weight, to building muscle, to avoiding the nearly inevitable health hazards of a sedentary lifestyle.
But one of the overlooked rewards of regular physical activity is its ability to boost self-confidence.
If you feel that lack of self-esteem is holding you back from pursuing your dreams or accomplishing more, you can potentially get out of this rut by being more physically active. And, the best part is that regular exercise can help you become more successful even if your goals are not fitness related.
At this writing I’m about 2.5 months in to a pretty extensive health regimen that I undertook primarily to free myself from some medications I’ve been taking. I’m already reducing the amount I’m taking. The program is centered around diet primarily and exercise. And what I’ve found is that for me personally, as I’ve started to feel better and better, my outlook on things has improved dramatically. My work is better, more fun, and I have a lot more joy in my life.
To say that my self-confidence has soared is an understatement. So read on. I hope you can enjoy the same benefits I’m getting.
So, how does exercise boost your self-confidence? Well, being more physically active can improve self-esteem in a variety of ways. In this post, you’ll discover learn the top four confidence boosting effects of regular exercise.
Exercise Improves Your Appearance
When we are not happy about your looks, you develop an inferiority complex about your image. Whether you are unhappy about being overweight or scrawny, having body image issues often sparks off negative emotions. You may begin to have negative self-talk about what you don’t like with your physical appearance. As a result, negativity begins to permeate all of your thoughts, which can lead to shyness, fear, and a general sense of low self-esteem and well-being.
Exercise helps to improve body physique by getting rid of excess or unwanted fat and improving muscle definition and function. Achieving these kinds of results can make you feel more attractive and better about the way you look, ultimately bolstering your self-confidence.
Strength Increases with Regular Exercise
Every day you hit the gym, go for a walk or a run or participate in your preferred type of exercise, the body grows stronger. When you feel physically strong, the same will also reflect in your mental state. This manifests mostly when you start to reap the rewards of regular exercise. In a sense, working out lets you discover what you are capable of when you put in the effort. And, once you build your strength to be able to lift heavier weights, walk further, run longer miles or achieve harder exercises, you start to get a feeling that you can do anything!
Working Out Reduces Stress
Stress can be mentally and physically draining. If you are in that state of mind, it’s hard to remain calm and focused on what you need to do to accomplish goals and solve problems.
The good news is that you can beat stress through exercise. Studies have shown that physical activity helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline while at the same time releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain like endorphins and dopamine. All of these effects leave you feeling confident knowing that you’re not overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. Instead, you feel in charge of situations, in charge of your feelings, and in charge of your actions.
Regular Exercise Improves Cognitive Function
Scientific evidence has shown that exercise boosts brainpower. By committing to regular fitness training, you are able to concentrate more, think with clarity and become more productive. When you are at your best, you feel more confident in your ability to get things done.
Final Word
If you are in need of a confidence boost, make sure to get enough physical activity by committing to a regular fitness routine. Just remember to set realistic and attainable goals to avoid giving up on your fitness goals too soon and end up not reaping the confidence boosting effects of exercise.
Publisher of Great Living Today, your one-stop source for greater living featuring tips, techniques, and programs in the areas of health & wellness, wealth, time management, business, love, relationships, and happiness. Marty is a life, business, and wellness coach helping his clients to live their best lives.