By Stacey Kam | Staff Writer
The holiday period can often bring a wave of stress: excessive spending on gifts, the desire to keep everyone satisfied, and the chaos of preparing for visiting friends and family. It’s easy for the season to feel overwhelming. Moreover, what’s intended to be a joyful time can turn into a disappointment—months of anticipation can culminate in a blink, leaving another year behind. While we may have indulged in festive feasts, studies indicate that engaging in physical activity is an effective way to reduce stress and combat feelings of sadness.
“There’s no doubt that mental health and physical fitness are interconnected,” asserts Craig Lewin of FitCorp, who owns Busy Body Fitness and Fitness HQ. These retail brands, which have multiple locations throughout the DFW area, offer expertise and a comprehensive variety of home workout equipment. “Once you establish a workout routine, you often feel an improvement in mood. You experience higher energy levels, a more positive mindset, and increased productivity. Crucially, the endorphins released during and after exercise significantly lower stress levels and can make you feel vibrant.”
Research from the Mayo Clinic corroborates Lewin’s belief that regular exercise alleviates symptoms of depression in various ways, potentially by releasing endorphins, the brain’s natural mood lifters. Additionally, consistent physical activity may help keep anxiety and depression at bay once someone starts to feel better.
Some additional psychological and emotional advantages of regular exercise include:
• Boosting confidence. Achieving fitness goals, even small ones, can enhance your self-esteem.
• Distracting from worries. Engaging in physical activity can break the cycle of negative thoughts that fuel anxiety and depression.
• Increasing social interaction. Participating in exercise can provide opportunities to meet or connect with others.
• Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms. Taking a proactive approach to manage anxiety or depression through exercise is a constructive strategy.
So, if we recognize the benefits, what holds us back?
Lara Price, a Regional Fitness Specialist at Orange Theory Fitness, points out that many individuals harbor a negative perception of exercising. Although they understand its importance and advantages, they may lack motivation or find solo workouts monotonous. “Joining a group exercise can shift this negative perspective and set you on the right track,” Price explains. “Group workouts can be enjoyable and offer diverse benefits that you might not experience on your own.”
According to Price, group exercise sessions like those at Orange Theory provide a fun social environment, effective workouts crafted by certified professionals, a regular schedule that keeps engagement high, accountability for participants, and workouts that don’t require any previous experience or knowledge.
“You don’t need to plan your workout,” she emphasizes. “You simply show up and follow your coach. If your current routine feels stale, transitioning to group classes might be the spark you need to regain motivation and excitement.”
Orange Theory coach Debbie Breihan is one such source of motivation. “I love being an Orange Theory coach for many reasons. Mainly, it’s about supporting members in reaching their fitness aims. It’s rewarding to see individuals step outside their comfort zones—training in ways they previously thought impossible. Each day represents a fresh fitness challenge—whether it’s doing one more rep, increasing speed, or growing in confidence. The greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing members transform physically and boost their self-esteem,” she shares.
Lewin advises clients that a home gym is only beneficial if it’s actively used (not just a place for drying laundry!). FitCorp even offers personal trainers who provide in-home sessions to educate clients on maximizing their workout equipment effectively. Many of Lewin’s long-term clients appreciate having a home gym alongside the option for group exercise.
Ultimately, the undeniable truth is that exercise is beneficial for overall well-being. “We all face some level of stress in life and need a constructive outlet,” Lewin remarks. “Exercise empowers you physically and mentally, equipping you to confront life’s challenges with a positive mindset. Let’s be honest: we could all use more positivity!”
“I truly believe that there is a significant relationship between mental health and physical well-being. Engaging in a structured exercise regimen allows your body to function more efficiently. Regular physical activity results in heightened energy, improved focus, and renewed vitality.”
“A wonderful byproduct of consistent exercise is the visible transformation of one’s body. Strength gains, increased lean muscle, improved flexibility, fat loss, and toning are all attainable through regular workouts. Confident body image undeniably contributes to self-esteem, and we witness this daily at Orange Theory Fitness!”
– Shane Adams, Regional Owner, Orange Theory Fitness
