A happy body makes a happy mind.
In this article, we’ll tell you about a new study that shows how your fitness level can influence your mental health. We’ll also give you some tips on how to improve your fitness level with two simple tests.
What is Fitness and Why Does It Matter?
Fitness is not just about having big muscles or a six-pack. It’s about how well your body can function and perform. There are two types of fitness that are important for your health and happiness: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and grip strength.
CRF is a measure of how well your heart and lungs can supply oxygen to your muscles during exercise. Grip strength is a measure of how much force you can apply with your hand.
Both CRF and grip strength can be easily tested with a stationary bike and a hand dynamometer.
Why do CRF and grip strength matter for your mental health? Well, according to a new study published in the journal BMC Medicine, they can affect your risk of developing common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
If you want to have a firm handshake, try yanking some cords.
What Did the Study Find?
The study used data from over 150,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a large-scale health research project. The researchers measured the CRF and grip strength of the participants at the beginning of the study, and then followed them for seven years to see who developed common mental disorders.
The results showed that low CRF and grip strength were linked to higher odds of developing common mental disorders.
The researchers also looked at the combined effects of CRF and grip strength. They found that those who had low levels of both types of fitness had the highest risk of common mental disorders.
The study suggests that improving your CRF and grip strength could help you prevent common mental disorders or reduce their severity. The researchers recommend that public health strategies should include combinations of aerobic and resistance activities to enhance both types of fitness.
How Can You Improve Your Fitness Level?
So, now that you know how important fitness is for your mental health, you might be wondering how you can improve your fitness level. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips on how to boost your CRF and grip strength:
To improve your CRF, you should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. You can also do 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as running, skipping, or playing sports.
To improve your grip strength, you should do exercises that target your forearm muscles, such as wrist curls, reverse curls, or hand squeezes. You can use dumbbells, resistance bands, or even a tennis ball for these exercises. You should do them two or three times per week, with at least one day of rest between sessions.
Hiking makes you smile, even when you’re lost.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can improve your physical fitness and protect your mental health at the same time. Remember that your mind and body are connected, and what you do for one can benefit the other. So don’t hesitate to take the fitness tests and see how you can improve your mood and health with two simple fitness tests. You’ll be glad you did!
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