The best kind of workout? One that trains both your body and brain – CTV

May 14, 2025

We already know exercise is good for our bodies, but it’s also an essential tool for managing mental health. Yet many people still separate physical fitness from mental wellness, viewing them as two different goals rather than parts of the same whole.

Too often, workout routines are designed with only the body in mind, focusing on burning calories, building strength or improving flexibility. What’s often missing is intentionality — movement designed not just to make you sweat but also to help you feel better mentally and emotionally.

Research shows that consistent physical activity can ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, sharpen executive functioning and improve sleep quality, a key factor in emotional regulation and overall mental health. But not all movement is created equal when it comes to mental health. The type of movement — and how you approach it — matters.

As a mind-body coach in professional sports for more than two decades, I have helped elite athletes build durable, mobile bodies while also supporting their mental resilience — using movement and breath to regulate the nervous system, stay grounded under pressure and maintain sharp focus. These same tools and principles can help anyone strengthen body and mind, improving how they move and feel every day.

Read more: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/article/the-best-kind-of-workout-one-that-trains-both-your-body-and-brain/