The virtues of fitness in our overall well-being have been more pronounced than ever in the post-pandemic world. If you commit to living a fit life, you should know that discipline holds the key to staying committed.
Exercising daily not just keeps our physical health in check, but also keeps our mental well-being balanced. Chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin are released when we exercise, and that elevates our mood. Exercise is also a terrific way to improve our self-esteem and reduce feelings such as sadness, stress and anxiety which are rampant in today’s world.
Fitness expert Robin Behl, one of the three forces behind The Tribe, shares one important tip to ensure you’re on the path to fitness.
“Discipline will take you places that motivation can’t. Both go hand-in-hand. You need to be motivated as well as disciplined in order to go a long way. With just motivation and no discipline, there is no sustainability.”
Also read: Aerobics to strength training: Ensure variety in your exercise routine
Importance of discipline in fitness
Discipline for your workout regime not only brings you closer to your weight loss or muscle gain goalS, but it also helps you to:
1. Boost self-esteem
Exercising leads to a clear mind and an agile body. This naturally gives a sense of confidence to a person. A 2016 study, The Effects of Physical Activity on Self-Esteem, published in the International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction, found that exercise increases self-esteem. ‘An improvement in educational, family, social, and general self-esteem, was seen in participants.
2. Enhance decision-making ability
At the outset, deciding to lead a life of healthy choices is itself a complex decision biologically, socially and emotionally. Over a period of time, exercising improves the functioning of the brain, which leads to improvement in cognitive abilities.
3. Improve your mental health
Exercise facilitates reduction in anxiety, depression and a negative mood. According to a 2006 study, aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing, has a direct impact on one’s mental health.
4. Improve time management
Most of us find ourselves running pillar-to-post nowadays to fulfill our day’s to-do lists. In such a scenario, time management becomes extremely important. Exercise not just helps you to reduce stress, but it also aids you in finding a balance, apart from boosting your energy levels. That gives you the ability to think calmly and rationally, giving you ample time to accommodate all that you want to do.
5. Enhance learning
As per Harvard Medical School professor Dr John J. Ratey, exercising helps the brain to be ready to learn new things and also makes it easier for it to retain information. It makes you more alert and boosts memory. A 2014 study points out that regular aerobic exercise can boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area which is specifically involved in verbal memory and learning.
6. Develop leadership skills
Focus, self-confidence, creativity, learning, energy, balance, patience and discipline – there’s so much that exercising can teach you in order to become a better leader.
The last word
“I truly believe discipline and consistency is the key to growth and moving forward. You may be motivated, but you can have a limited temporary period of fame and success without them,” adds Behl.
Besides, maintaining an active lifestyle doesn’t have to be challenging or take up all of your day. Even 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day may dramatically enhance your health and well-being. Remember, consistency is the key.
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