You + Exercise = Better Mood/Better Brain

Motivation Insights - get inspired, inspire others!

View All Blog Articles | View All Motivation Articles

At hundreds of HMR trainings and seminars over the years, I have asked this same question: "Raise your hand if you feel better after you exercise..." and the inevitable sea of hands go up - every person, every time. Even those who, you find out later, hardly ever exercise or haven't for a very long time. Their hands go up too.

Why is that?

Is it the sense of accomplishment from having gotten off the couch and out the door? That's certainly part of it, but it doesn't fully explain the reduced level of stress and anxiety. Not completely, anyway.

Why else, then?

Is it the fact that we live in a world where, if you blink, you find you've eaten more calories than you wanted, and that exercising has the calories actually going in the other direction for once? Well, that's certainly part of it too, but it doesn't fully account for the enhanced mood and increased sense of confidence.

Why else then?

Here's why. Science is now discovering that just as our bodies are positively affected by physical activity, our brains undergo changes as well. Amazing changes that just 5-10 years ago the field of medicine would have said were impossible.

We now know that in addition to maintaining the structure of our brains by preserving and even increasing our brain mass, exercise increases the connectivity of our neurons by fostering the growth of neurotransmitters and growth factors.

The result is that we're able to function at a much more optimal level. Exercise helps us to think more clearly, concentrate more, focus better, and even learn more easily while also enhancing our positive mood states and reducing our negative ones.

Wow! Now that's something I'll raise my hand for too.

by RickRiess on 06/07/2011 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: motivation, exercise, mood, strategies

About the Author

Rick Riess

Rick has worked for HMR since 1989 as a key member of HMR’s Training and Research departments and is an important collaborator on all new company initiatives. He is a positive health role model and is committed to helping people make a difference in their weight and with their health.

Comments (13) Post a comment

Thanks Rick, we can always count on you for the latest research and how adding more healthy behaviors can benefit our bodies and brains.

by ivandrago on 07/25/2011

Thanks, Rick! This is so encouraging - I can't wait to share this with my 78-yr-old mom, who lost 20 lbs with HMR last year. She loves being active again, and this is just one more incentive in her arsenal!!

by kberrymanhmrbostonco on 07/15/2011

I really appreciate hearing these insights as to HOW exercise changes our brains. Great blog.

by NatalieIdzik on 07/15/2011

So many people view the eating part of the triple a non-negotiable but given all of these great benefits of PA we need to also think of PA as a non-negotiable! I did and now I run a 5 K!

by spazdiet72 on 07/14/2011

Another pro to add to my column of "not going to the gym" versus "going to the gym." When I think of cognitive decline I'm super motivated!!!

by Chrissy78 on 07/12/2011

I definitely agree with the results on how exercise affects our brains! Exercising in the morning helps me feel awake and focused at work--giving me a sense of confidence and ease :)

by sailGirl on 07/07/2011

Hey Rick! I'm reading the book you recommended, "Younger Next Year". Great book! One of my favorite quotes: "consistency trumps intensity every time"....great advice! Hope, through exercise, I can be younger next year!

by DesireeRogers on 07/05/2011

Yes thanks, very interesting! I know I usually feel better after working out.

by Marsalette on 06/30/2011

Exercise is a great present we give to ourselves

by Dana120 on 06/30/2011

Thanks, very motivating.

by Beverly on 06/30/2011

I knew there was a reason for this - thanks for the insight!

by Marty123 on 06/30/2011

Very informative, surely is food for thought.

by Bcdiet on 06/29/2011

Thanks Rick! I'm already a PA person but all these research studies involving the brain just provide extra incentive for squeezing more in!