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5 Unexpected Ways Exercise Improves your Mood
December 13, 2017
It’s the most wonderful time of year. In some cases, it can be the most stressful time of year. There’s a lot of pressure to make the holidays memorable, to attend every party, give the perfect gift and pick out the best tree. It’s no wonder, that with all of the chaos and stress, our mood can fluctuate from “ho ho ho” to “bah humbug” regularly throughout the season.
Exercising often is more important now than ever. The mental benefits of exercise are indisputable. Studies show that exercise reduces stress and pain, while improving memory and other cognitive functions. And while the fitness community tends to focus on the physical benefits of exercise, we want to shine the light on the incredible mood enhancing benefits of exercise, and specifically of The Bar Method.
“The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong. Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise you get a mood-enhancement effect.” – Michael Otto, PhD, professor of psychology at Boston University.
1. Improves Self-Confidence:
Being acknowledged by your instructor for finally having the courage to extend your bottom leg into the L-shape during round-back has a lasting effect on your mood that improves self-confidence in and out of the studio. Taking the options you’re given in a barre class or being complimented on your acute focus and good form has the power to shift your self-confidence in a profound way. Now go on with your bad self!
2. Improves Your Alignment:
The Bar Method’s benefits on your physical alignment are unparalleled, but the effects it can have on your spiritual well being are profound. If you’re feeling off mentally or emotionally, taking class might just be the thing you need to snap out of it and back into alignment with your true self! Students leave class feeling centered and in-touch with their inner personal strength. Treat yourself to one full hour of uninterrupted self-love and see if that makes a difference in your day.
3. Connects You With Strong Women:
Sometimes, all we need to know is we’re not alone and we’re in this together. Nothing says “community” like a packed Bar Method class fighting their way through a set of leg lifts. Next time you take class, look around the room, notice the incredibly strong and beautiful people at the barre next to you and then say to yourself, “It’s good to be home!” The Bar Method community is built by YOU and for YOU! Our mantra is “together we are stronger!”
4. Makes You Smarter:
Knowing your “right” from your “left” in a barre class may seem simple, but anyone who’s taken The Bar Method knows it’s not as easy as it seems. In every class, there’s a lot of instruction coming at you all at once. It can be overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you can’t help but feel smarter the more you take class. After all, your brain is working in overdrive to signal you to upright your spine, drop your shoulders, and make the moves small, all while holding the grip of your glutes. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back…we are proud of you!
5. Have More Fun:
Exercise isn’t always fun, but when it comes in the form of The Bar Method, chances are it will be! Having fun is essential to improving your mood and although The Bar Method is technical and structured, we can’t help but notice you have a little fun when the instructor tells you to turn over for back-dancing and Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” comes over the speaker to get you moving!
