Emotional well-being and mental health are top reasons for exercising, according to a Mintel study. 78% of gym enthusiasts said that mental/emotional well-being was the number one reason for exercising, while 76% voting for physical well-being.
“The extended length of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced consumers to adapt to at-home exercise, permanently altering how consumers view the fitness landscape. With exercisers confined to their homes, fitness brands rapidly updated their digital offerings to respond to consumers’ changing expectations. Because consumers now have a vastly expanded array of both physical and digital workouts from which they can choose, brands must be able to deliver a premium experience without sacrificing on convenience.”, said Sara Nettesheim, Consumer Insights Analyst, Health and Wellness Exercise Trends.
Most US adults prioritize regular workouts and are exercising more frequently than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of them adopted a hybrid routine of digital home workouts and gym workouts.
Motivations to exercise
Consumers are drawn to secondary benefits of exercise to support holistic wellbeing. Americans are motivated to stay mentally fit and recognize secondary exercise benefits post-pandemic. Consumers use strength building activities to build confidence.
While low-impact exercises are the top choice for most Americans, endurance and flexibility are growing in popularity and strength workouts are still popular with older consumers. Space-saving equipment is of interest for urban consumers.
The mental benefits of regular exercise
In a world where stress, uncertainty and changeare part of everyday life, nurturing our mental wellness should become a top priority.
People who exercise regularly have better emotional wellbeing and mental health. Regular exercise is scientifically proven to boost mood, improve the cognitive function, decrease anxiety and depression, fight negative thoughts, improve self-esteem and reduce social withdrawal. Physical exercise releases the happiness hormones – chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve the mood, decreases stress, improve sleep quality and boost the brain.
There is growing evidence suggesting than any exercise and frequancy (even 10-15 minutes a day) are better than none in fighting mental disorders.
Types of exercises for mental well-being
Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, dancing, yoga, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), resistance training have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression.
Aromatherapy and exercise
Can aromatherapy make people feel better during exercise and improve athletic performance?
It was proven that aromatherapy induced positive feelings and reduced fatigue during exercise, and improved participants’ feelings during the recovery period. Aromatherapy has a key influence on the feelings of people who exercise, and it can positively influence athletic satisfaction and persistence.
Aromatherapy is used in diverse ways in sports, helping improve the bodily functions and positively affects athletic performance. For example, inhaling peppermint essential oil was found to improve grip, high jump records, long jump records, pulmonary function, calm the bronchial smooth muscle, and increase the concentration and consumption of oxygen to the brain. Another study found that speed and push-up count had increased significantly after having participants smell peppermint during exercise. Aromatherapy benefits of reducing physical pain and improving mood have been proven, making it an effect addition to any workout routine.
It was also found that the inhalation of essential oils represent a cost-effective and safe therapy to someone with a mental illness, independent of practicing any sport.
Orange, grapefruit, bergamot and lemon are energizing and uplifting scents, scents that make us feel better and more confident. The smell of vanilla, rose, bergamot and lavender has been linked with the production of endorphins. When a fragrance reaches your brain, it releases feel-good endorphins and serotonin.
Pro Tip: Cold air diffusion technology (nebulizing technology)
This is the safest and cleanest way to diffuse your essential oils and home fragrances. The nebulizing diffusion technology preserves the therapeutic properties of the essential oils, while creating a longer lasting and consistent scent.
AromaTech™ home diffusers are available in several beautiful designs to compliment your home. AromaTech™ also offers wall-mount diffusers with the option to easily connect to your home HVAC system.
Real also: Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation