Did getting fit and healthy make you happier?

[ShabbyAbby]

Just that really. I often think if I get fitter and healthier I will feel better and therefore my mental health will improve.

However I don't get past the early stages as I get too worn out and wonder if maybe is it worth the pay off? Maybe I'm just lazy

Yes, massively.

Expect many posters to tell you about the effectiveness of couch to 5k.

Life changing for me. Running REALLY helped my mental health, strength and overall fitness.

I was never a runner before now I love it so much.

Completely and totally. Lost a bit of my fitness again and determined to get it back - a healthier and happier person in every way.

Yes. And as I’ve got fatter again and less fit I’ve become less happy and less bouncy.
Having the motivation to start is a hurdle, but once you overcome it, it’s amazing

Yes, I started running at 5e age of 48 (because my sister had convinced me to sign up for a 10k race) ..I’m very slow but I feel so much better for getting out in the fresh air and knowing that I’m doing what I need to fir my heath. I’m injured at the moment and feel sluggish. Running helps my digestive system work better

I help run a Couch to 5k programme at our local running club and yes it does hurt to start, but if you keep with the programme you soon realise to enjoy that feeling of ‘working’ your body. After a few weeks you get fitter, you start to see changes in your body and your recovery time improves massively. All these things give you a boost. Because we do it as a supportive group people make friends snd love improving together.

We have a few people with MH issues on our course and subsequently, and they all talk about the positive benefits. It might take you s bit out of your comfort zone to start with but walk or run I’d totally recommend it, especially with an organised group who will have leaders and members to give some support. Go on ....!

I'm a lot fitter & stronger than I was, helps so much with joint stability & pain.

Don't run tho, as that does my hips in.

Yes it does me. I've started going to the gym and feel a lot less stressed. I'm also not beating myself up as much if I do have something unhealthy to eat.

Yes, for sure! I had my first child 18 months ago and decided to take up kickboxing to get fit again as my husband is a black belt and I wanted to try something new. Bloody love it, and just did my first grading!

My advice is don't just join a gym- try a class or sport where you can turn up and get told what to do- I love not having to think or plan exercising, I just do what I'm told!! I feel so strong, confident and really enjoy some me-time that's not focused on work, kids or anyone else. It's hard to make time sometimes, but try to fit it in, stick to it and you will see and feel the benefits. You're right- you feel shattered at first, and your muscles will hurt but you'll surprise yourself how quickly you get fitter and stronger!

Good luck :)

Yes, beyond measure. I have come back into full colour after a long time of living monotone. Wish I had done it before.

Yes, beyond measure. I have come back into full colour after a long time of living monotone. Wish I had done it before.

Bit of a weird one, I’ve always been fit but have been quite badly injured of late so unable to do lots of the things I normally do, the effect on my mental health has been terrifying! I’m moody, picking arguments, fizzing with unexpendable energy and craving all of the bad foods.

It seems the ref to of being fit is much greater than I’d ever thought!

Yes. I’m so proud of myself for seeing it through.
It has really become a habit now.

I ran a marathon last year and now whenever I feel like I can’t manage something I try to remember the grit that got me through that and bring it forward.

Feel much better when fit. Not fit now but starting back!

Absolutely & I have let myself go again so now making plans to start a fitness regime again. I did karate for 5 years & never felt fitter.

Don’t call yourself lazy, just find something you can do and develop in tiny stages.
Couch 25k
Or lift small weights to start and see the numbers rise.

Starting small in order to see improvement quickly is very motivating.

I massively miss running. I lost loads of weight and my anxiety all but disappeared. I haven't been for 6 months and I feel awful

Yes, but you dont have to go mad.

Ive just done couch to 5k and will stick at increasing to an hours exercise 3 times a week. Dont care about speed. Just do it.

I ran in my 30s and gave up because I wasnt doing pbs all the time. I was stupid as I was fit and healthy and had my weight under control.

This time I am determined to not get hung up on speed.

I started exercise classes because I wanted to improve my fitness, but also to meet people. Having moved somewhere new, I was very lonely and knew that the black dog would descend if I didn’t do something.

I do lots of different classes now, so there’s always something interesting. I don’t run, because I don’t think my knees would stand it, but aim for roughly a couple of hours exercise four times a week and make sure I do the 10,000 steps every day too.

Yes I think so. For various reasons I was unable to do much in late 2017 and all of 2018.

I am back at the gym, walking 4+ miles a day. I feel lighter and brighter. I was rowing today and some random man at the gym complimented my technique .

What he didn't know was that the slightly overweight 50 year old in front of him used to row for 45 mins a day for years. I sold my rowing machine last year because I didn't think I would ever be up to it again. But I am and its only a matter of time before I do something about it.

So yes, with bells on from me.

100%, being fit and at a healthy weight by following a good diet really makes me feel like I have my shit together. Clothes fit, I can wear what I want and do what I want.

I'm 41 weeks pregnant now with DC2 and have done exactly what I said I wouldn't do after loosing all my baby weight last time and have put on about 3 stone. I feel absolutely rubbish and every day is just a spiral of 'what can I eat next'.

I lost 4 stone before I got married and started running 4 times a week. I ran 4 miles 3 times a week and 8 miles once at the weekend. I felt absolutely fantastic and found so much joy in simple things like going for walks, bike rides etc. Just thinking about it is making me excited to get back to some sort of healthy routine once I've had this baby although it will be a lot more lax with 2 under 2!!!

Sometimes I really really don't want to go and work out. But if I just give my head a wobble and go, I have NEVER once regretted it.

It makes me feel strong and capable and positive. The physical benefits are almost secondary.

So yes.

Without a doubt. I'm not a gym bunny but I used to swim and do spin. I've moved to nowhere near the gym. I bought a spin bike, les Mills app and off I went. I've now extended to yoga, resistance training with bands as well as cardio. 4/5 times a week that's all, I just mix it up. Prefer short workouts as I get bored- 30 mins Ish. Also walk a fair bit too!
I had 3/4 months off with my elbow and it was shocking how rubbish I felt and how quickly my body changed. Back to it and the difference is brilliant, plus I also take care more of what I eat too when I'm exercising more. The benefits of basic exercise are far undervalued.

Running has given me the greatest happiness I have ever known.

It does help but start slow and steady and build up :) I've lost count how many times I've thrown myself into fitness too fast and got tired and put off! Until I learned small changes etc make a massive difference x

going to be the negative nelly here. am 55, overweight and unfit. have just completed Couch to 5k and can now just about plod along for 30 minutes. big impovement and I'mproud I have got to this point but I HATE it! Hate running. Nearly threw up tonight when I finished tonight. I do it because I need to move but view it rather like medicine. something I need to take but don't enjoy.Would love to feel the "buzz" but it just doesnt happen.

100% yes. I did a 5k run today before work and it put me in a good place all day. I have joined a gym and do a mix of things - even tried yoga for the first time this week and think I will go back.