There are so many reasons why CrossFit is good for you, not least the fact that it can boost your mood in loads of different ways. With the so called January blues right around the corner, here’s why CrossFit means good vibes:
Endorphins
Exercise has long been heralded as a way to kick start happy chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. Serotonin acts as a mood stabiliser while endorphins help to reduce pain, alleviate stress and give a better sense of wellbeing. Weightlifting or aerobic exercise are two great ways to release both of these chemicals. So a gassy WOD could be just what you need to feel more chipper.
Friends
CrossFit is a group exercise. WODs are performed with other members and so you’re never alone when you’re working out at CrossFit. This sense of community means less loneliness and helps you project energy outwards towards others rather than being isolated with any negative thoughts. Being part of a CrossFit gym means belonging to a place, and to people, that make you feel good about yourself.
Distraction
There’s actually nothing like blasting out a WOD to blow off the cobwebs after a crap day. When you’re in the middle of your third set of burpees, with three rounds still to go, any mental focus you have will be solely on what you’re doing at that very moment. It’s a healthy distraction from anything dragging you down, allowing you to release the tension that might have built up. Then afterwards, as we said, you get that rush of happy hormones too.
Confidence
Research has long shown the link between exercise and self esteem. There’s the obvious idea that CrossFit can make you look the way you want to, but more than that, mastering complex moves or hitting a new PB is a huge confidence boost. The wins you have in the gym will carry out into the rest of the world, giving you the confidence to go after other things.
Better sleep
Sleep is one of the most important factors when it comes to mood. Not enough sleep will negatively impact everything else, from food intake to a low sex drive and a reduced immune system. More seriously, it can be a contributing factor for heart attacks, strokes and other serious illnesses. Moderate to vigorous exercise aids sleep cycles in adults by helping them to fall asleep faster, as well as reducing the likelihood of lying awake at night.
The physical benefits of CrossFit have been lauded for a long time, but it's worth thinking about the mental and emotional boost it can give too. As well as all of the above, training your mind to get through a punishing WOD can vastly improve mental agility, helping you to apply a mind-over-matter response in many other areas of your life. Do CrossFit. Sleep Better. Be in a good mood. Live longer (disclaimer: we can’t promise you’ll live longer but we think you’ve got a fighting chance if you do CrossFit).