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Keep those endorphins flowing: how to maintain your exercise routine

April 06 2022 6 min read

One of the best parts of a great workout is how good you feel afterwards. After a long bout of exercises, many people report feeling euphoric, less anxious and a lessened ability to feel pain - what’s not to love?

These happy brain reactions are all down to something called endorphins. Endorphins are a group of hormones that are often released during physical exercise. When released, they trigger a positive feeling in the body. This means that regular exercises has been known to:

- Reduce stress

- Combat anxiety and feelings of depression

- Help with self-esteem

- Improve sleep

Take a look at our top tips on how to maintain a good exercise routine to help you feel better day-to-day and get those endorphins flowing.

 STICK TO A TIME

Choose a specific time throughout the week to get active. You can vary the activity you choose, but forming a routine will help you stick to your plan much easier than just working out whenever you have a spare half an hour will.

CONSIDER AN EVENING CLASS

As the nights get darker, opt for an after-work class or a workout. This will immediately boost your energy levels and invigorate you as the winter draws in.

GO FOR A RUN WITH A FRIEND

Running with a friend is not only good for your physical health, but it’s the perfect time to talk about things that might be on your mind.

England Athletics is encouraging people to #RunAndTalk to improve their mental wellbeing through running and to break down the stigma associated with mental health by getting people talking about it. As the official fitness and retail partner of England Athletics Fitness First is proud to support the campaign.

BUDDY UP FOR A CLASS

Try a new class or challenge with a friend or partner and commit to it together. This way, you can encourage each other if your motivation dips.

FIND A STYLE OF TRAINING TO SUIT YOUR PERSONAL ROUTINE

Set yourself up for success by choosing a workout that fits in with your daily life and other responsibilities. For example, if you have limited time to exercise, try one of our 10 Minute Workouts. These are easy to do and require minimal equipment so can be done either at the gym or at home.

SET A GOAL

You could use the Christmas festivities as a target — by committing now in the transitional months; you can run into Christmas healthier and happier than ever before… ready for party season!

REWARD YOURSELF

Make sure you celebrate when a goal is met - treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting for a long time.

Here at Fitness First, we are proud to support the #RunAndTalk campaign from England Athletics.

To get involved, find your nearest ‘RunTogether’ running group, many of which are hosted by Fitness First, or click here.