Functional Fitness Training and Depression

2 minute read

It is important to understand the connection between physical activity and mental health. Many clinical studies have been conducted to explore the link between exercise and depression, and the results are overwhelmingly positive.

In this article, we will explore the connection between functional training and improving depression and anxiety, and examine some of the key clinical studies that support this link.

Functional training is a type of exercise that focuses on movements that mimic everyday activities, rather than just isolating specific muscles. Examples of functional training include squats, lunges, and deadlifts.

One of the key benefits of functional training is that it can improve overall physical fitness, while also improving mental health. Here are some of the ways functional training can help improve depression and anxiety:

Enhancing Mood

One of the main benefits of exercise in general is that it can enhance mood.

Specifically, physical activity can help release endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals in the brain. Endorphins can help improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Functional training can be especially effective in releasing endorphins because it involves multiple muscle groups and movements, leading to a more intense workout [1].

Boosting Energy Levels

Fatigue and low energy are common symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Functional training can help combat these symptoms by increasing energy levels. Exercise helps to improve blood flow and oxygenation, leading to increased energy and alertness. In fact, studies have shown that regular exercise can be just as effective as medication in reducing fatigue and improving energy levels in people with depression [2].

Improving Sleep

Poor sleep is also a common symptom of depression and anxiety. However, exercise can help improve sleep quality and duration.

Functional training can be especially effective in improving sleep because it is a more intense form of exercise, which can help tire out the body and improve the quality of sleep. In one study, adults with insomnia who engaged in regular exercise showed significant improvements in sleep quality and duration [3].

Reducing Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

Functional training can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that regular exercise can be just as effective as medication in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in some people.

For example, one study found that people who engaged in regular exercise had significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety than those who did not exercise [1]. Another study found that people who engaged in functional training specifically had lower levels of anxiety and depression than those who engaged in traditional weightlifting [4].

Overall, the evidence suggests that functional training can be an effective way to improve mental health and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, it is important to note that exercise should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it is important to seek the advice of a mental health professional.

Functional training can be an effective way to improve mental health and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. By enhancing mood, boosting energy levels, improving sleep, and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, functional training can have a profound impact on overall well-being.

We have many ExPo LIFE FITNESS members that are obtaining phenomenal results, both physically and mentally.

ExPo LIFE FITNESS #1 Voted Neighborhood Favorite Cary Fitness Gym in 2021 & 2022

ExPo LIFE FITNESS members participate in science-backed, results-oriented workouts led by advanced degree instructors.

ExPo LIFE workouts range from low-intensity interval training, power circuit training, and our proprietary F.I.T. (functional integrated total), just to name a few. Results are guaranteed.

4 Significant Reasons Why ExPo LIFE Workouts Guarantee Results:

• Personalized training workouts (<8 ppl/class)
• Education of proper form/technique by exercise physiologists
• Teach mental and behavioral fitness skill-sets tailored towards your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors
• Injury-free/Pain-free exercises

With smaller class sizes, we are able to specialize our workouts by combining anatomy and physiology into the “how” and “why” of body mechanics, whereas other fitness facilities are simply not set up to educate their members.

ExPo LIFE FITNESS members also take advantage of popping into the facility outside of their scheduled workouts to utilize the equipment or ask for educational follow-up. This is a huge advantage over ‘class only’ gyms, where their members cannot access their equipment outside of their class.

In addition, we teach members how to stay on their fitness path by providing specific mental skill-sets that compliment their physical dedication; this is one of many differentiating factors we have.

[1] “How Exercise May Help Depression Enhancing your overall mental health is one of the many benefits of exercise. More specifically, physical activity can enhance mood, boost energy levels, and help you sleep better. Here are some other ways fitness improves psychological well-being:” URL: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-link-between-exercise-and-depression-5089055

[2] “In 2016, Hovland and his colleagues searched the published literature and identified 23 clinical trials that tested the effectiveness of exercise in treating depression. Exercise was clearly…” URL: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-exercise-boosts-the-brain-and-improves-mental-health-180979511/

[3] “Physical activity has the potential to help with treating symptoms of depression while also promoting overall health, thus reducing mortality ( 21 ). When developing an exercise program, design considerations include 1) risk stratification given the incidence of chronic disease ( e.g ., cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic …” URL: https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/fulltext/2019/09000/physical_activity_and_depression.5.aspx

[4] “PickTheBrain is a blog founded in 2006 dedicated to covering everything and anything connected with self-improvement. While articles on the blog include a wide range of topics, most of them…” URL: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318431

[5] “Impaired empathy. 4. Reduction of physical symptoms — 14 domains. Fatigue (15 percent) Low energy (9 percent) Disturbed sleep (9 percent) Insomnia (8 percent) Crying, for “no reason” (described …” URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychiatry-the-people/202007/10-key-areas-improving-depression-research-and-treatment