Contrary to popular belief, getting lean isn’t just about losing fat and building muscle. It’s a lot more than that. And it should always start with the mind and our mental health.

At GTLN, we believe that LEAN is a state of mind and in order to GETLEAN, the focus should begin with the mind, followed by exercise and nutrition. Without a focussed ‘Can Do’ mindset, results will prove far more difficult. This is why our mental health is paramount – and it’s become increasingly more relevant following the impact of the covid-19 pandemic.

Once we’re in the right state of mind, exercise will become far more enjoyable and consistent, and in turn this will have a greater impact on our mental health. It becomes a virtuous cycle. Mind, Body, Mind.

And the benefits of this you ask? Let’s take a deeper look.

 

Reduced anxiety

According to Nursing Research, physical activity can reduce levels of anxiety in people with mild symptoms, and has also been promoted as an alternative treatment for depression. But when you’re feeling anxious, doing exercise is likely to be one of the last things on your mind.

That’s why we’d always advocate starting small and building up a consistent practice. The process of physical activity releases those all-important “feel-good” chemicals (aka endorphins) that can change your attitude, mood, and overall feelings. And when you’re at home, you don’t have to worry about dragging yourself out of bed to the nearest gym. You’re already half-way there.  

 

Decreased stress

Life can be stressful at the best of times, and it’s also unpredictable. And when you’re stressed, it’s likely you’re struggling to fit anything into your routine as you feel busy and overwhelmed. You may experience emotions more intensely as well as a wide range of uncomfortable physical symptoms.

The good news is physical exercise can be very effective in relieving stress – and virtually any exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can act as a stress reliever. Not only does it pump up your endorphins and reduce the negative effects of stress, it’s also a form of meditation in motion. This focus on the task at hand of exercising, can help shed your stress points and enable you to stay calmer and more focused in everything else you do.

Increased self-esteem and self-confidence

Here at GTLN, we firmly believe that it’s about feeling good about yourself that really matters. And there’s a direct correlation between staying fit and increased levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. Sometimes just the sense of achievement of creating and sticking to an exercise plan can do wonders for your self-worth and overall sense of being.

As a society, we’ve long been obsessed with body image, and for lots of people, how they look has a direct impact on their self-esteem. But exercising, even as little as once or twice a week, can make you happier and more confident as your fitness and appearance improve.

 

Better sleep

It’s been scientifically proven that moderate exercise increases the amount of slow wave sleep we get, i.e., deep sleep, where the brain and body have a chance to rejuvenate. And the great news according to Charlene Gamalda, Medical Director of Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep, is, “it’s generally not going to take months or years to see a benefit.” In fact, for some, you may see a difference in sleep quality that same night.

As long as you’re doing something to elevate your heart rate, this will help create those biological processes in the brain and body that contribute to a good night’s sleep.

 

Improved intelligence

With exercise boosting the blood supply to the brain, it’s a ‘no-brainer’ that it has a positive effect on our intelligence levels. There’s also evidence to suggest it might also promote the growth of neurons and encourage the release of some neurotransmitters and growth hormones – ones which are vital to our brain’s overall health. And these are things which can contribute to better concentration and memory.

Have you ever noticed that your best ideas come to you whilst out on a walk or, dare we say it, jog? Studies prove that physical activity boosts our creativity and mental energy, so if you’re looking for your next big idea, it’s time to get that heart rate up.  

 

LEAN is a state of mind

Think about when you go for five more minutes on the treadmill, or five extra reps of that weight. That’s your mind doing the work. And those coping skills and that mindset you build whilst working out, can translate into every other part of your life.

Our mental health has never been so important as it is today. But if there’s one thing we can be thankful for, it’s that working out from home has never been easier or more accessible. And here at GTLN, we’re committed to helping you level up both your mental-health, and your physical health. Because LEAN is a state of mind.

(Get started on your journey today)