Do you know someone who is upbeat, happy and energetic? I know a few people like that and I’ve learned their secret. They like to exercise. They have an exercise routine which energizes them and makes them feel stronger. 

We need strength and energy to not only get our normal daily routines done but also to have some fun in our day. Exercise is good for the body, mind and spirit. And, it’s never too late to start exercising. Here’s some encouraging psychological benefits that we get from exercise (American Council on Exercise, ACE). 

• Makes you happy. Exercise releases endorphins during and after exercise. These endorphins help make us happy. Think of how good you feel after exercising. Given the choice to lay on the couch or go exercise, try to remember how good you feel when you get your exercise routine done. 

• Dedication to yourself. Exercise encourages a lifestyle of proper nutrition, discipline and time-management. Some people take their exercise routine to a higher level with intense body building training. We all should be building our body to some extent. Even the older adult using a walker for daily mobility should be body building at least two days a week to keep the ability to use that walker and not have to use a wheelchair. When I say body building, I mean strengthening every major muscle group with two to three sets of 12 to 15 repetition movements per muscle group. 

• Boost energy. Exercise increases your power, endurance and overall energy. Energy is a very popular word today. Look at all the energy foods and drinks on the market. Instead of using energy foods and drinks, try a healthy routine of exercise, eating nutritious foods and sleeping seven to eight hours each night. 

• Better sleep. Remember when you worked in the yard or garden all day? Or when you went to the ocean and played in the waves all day? How about the time you hiked up a mountain or went down-hill skiing? Do you remember how you slept that night? You probably slept well. Exercise helps us sleep better. Our bodies are demanding sleep to recover and repair the muscles from the day’s work. 

If you’re not exercising regularly, get started! You’re going to be happy that you did! 

About the author 

Jonathan Souder is the fitness director at Manor House, an Acts Retirement-Life Community in Seaford, www.manorhouse.org. Email your thoughts to jsouder@actslife.org.