Many people start fitness training for all kinds of reasons that range from losing weight, to building muscle, to avoiding health hazards of a sedentary lifestyle. One of the overlooked rewards of regular physical activity is its ability to boost self-confidence. Because let’s face it – The better you look, the more confident you are.
If you feel like lack of self-esteem is holding you back from pursuing your dreams or accomplishing more, you can get out of this rut by being more physically active. And, the best part is that regular exercise can help you become more successful even if your goals are not fitness related.
So, how does exercise boost your self-confidence? Well, being more physically active can improve self-esteem in a variety of ways.
Exercise Improves Your Appearance
Well it’s not really rocket science. When we are not happy about our looks, we develop an inferiority complex about our image. Whether you are unhappy about being overweight or scrawny, having body image issues often sparks off negative emotions. You may begin to have negative self-talk about what you don’t like with your physical appearance. As a result, negativity permeates your thoughts, leading to shyness, fear and a general sense of low self-esteem.
Regular exercise often leads to an improved body image, makes your heart and bones stronger, lowers your risk for chronic disease right along with your blood pressure, keeps your weight under control and reduces feelings of anxiety and depression. While you’re boosting your energy levels, oxygen capacity, muscle tone and general fitness, a side benefit is an increase in self-esteem. Just the success of creating an exercise plan and sticking to it allows you to enjoy a sense of achievement.
Working Out Reduces Stress
Stress can be mentally and physically draining. If you are in that state on mind, it is hard to remain calm and focused on what you need to do to accomplish goals and solve problems.
The good news is that you can beat stress through exercise. Studies have shown that physical activity helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline while at the same time releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain like endorphins and dopamine. All of these effects leave you feeling confident knowing that are not overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. Instead, you feel in charge of situations, your feelings, and actions.
Regular Exercise Improves Cognitive Function
Scientific evidence has shown that exercise boost brainpower. By committing to regular fitness training, you are able to concentrate more, think with clarity and become more productive. When you are at your best, you feel confident in your ability to get things done.
To Sum It Up …
If you are in need of a confidence boost, make sure to get enough physical activity by committing to a regular fitness routine. Just remember to set realistic and attainable goals to avoid giving up on your fitness goals and end up not reaping the confidence boosting effects of exercise.