Whether it’s getting the kids to school, dinner plans with friends, work meetings - life tends to be a never ending list of to-dos. Especially in the city that never sleeps! With this in mind it is common we fall into a cycle of not prioritizing our health. It is for this reason staying consistent with your workout routine is critical in helping to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. In this blog we’ll talk about the significance of working out for women, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on their physical and mental health.
Physical Health Benefits:
Regular exercise, including aerobic movements such as running, burpees, or cycling, contribute to enhancing cardiovascular health. Regularly performing these exercises, or others like them can strengthen the heart muscles, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall circulation. According to the American Heart Association, physical activity is associated with a 20-35% lower risk of cardiovascular disease in women [1].
Weight Management and Muscle Strength:
If the goal is weight loss or toning, a combination of cardiovascular exercises and strength training can be highly effective. Strength training helps to build muscle mass, which boosts metabolism and promotes long-term weight management. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends strength training exercises at least two days a week [2].
Stress Reduction:
The feeling of a “post workout high” has some truth behind it as it’s proven that physical activity is a natural stress reliever. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which enhance mood and reduce stress. Living in New York City can definitely get stressful at times and what a better way to blow off steam than with a workout? A study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that regular exercise is associated with lower symptoms of anxiety and depression in women [3].
Improved Cognitive Function:
Regularly engaging in physical activity can actually have positive effects on our cognitive function. This includes our memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. According to a study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, regular exercise can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in women by up to 20-30% [4]. It promotes the growth of new brain cells and improves blood flow to the brain, thereby enhancing our ability to think and understand more clearly.
Empowerment and Body Image:
With beauty standards being as insurmountable as they are, why strive for it? How rewarding is it to cultivate a positive relationship with your body by focusing on strength, endurance, and overall well-being, rather than external goals? The sense of accomplishment and empowerment gained through exercise can positively impact self-esteem and body image perception. With the programming at Oculus we are constantly measuring goals based on performance. Did I do this workout faster than last time? Did I lift just a few more pounds in my back squat? This takes the focus off having to meet an impossible standard, but rather becoming the greatest version of you.
The importance of working out for women cannot be overstated. Regular exercise offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, empowering women to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Using core CrossFit ideologies here at Oculus Fitness we aim to encourage and challenge each of our members to stay consistent for the betterment of their health. As a gym in Downtown Manhattan Oculus Fitness is accessible by most major subway lines being right off Fulton Street. We host an event called “Women’s WOD & Wine” which aims to cultivate a community amongst our members who identify as women and hopefully make fitness a bit more fun.
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