Have you ever noticed how your mood, energy levels, creativity, drive, confidence, and overall happiness changes when you are dialed in on your fitness journey? We hope you are experiencing this feeling cause it would means you are on a path of what we are all here for: crushing life!

Coming back to the last big endurance challenge Max and I encountered the 01st of January 2024 (tempting to reach a 250km ultra distance run connecting Belgium’s altitude 0 to 694m at its highest summit - link here for a recap), we can officially state that we were DIALED IN. The time, energy and focus that this preparation took us was arguably the most challenging prep we both ever experienced. Juggling between the physical demand of running volume, strength training, work, and launching KINAVIA at the same time was… demanding.  

Obviously, tons of remarquable things happened during this time frame but the overall stress demand that was on our shoulders was too high to feel that sens of "being on the top" you experience when life, work, and training demand is in equilibrium. 

In today’s discussion we are going to debunk the reason why focusing heavily on your fitness makes you feel happier and more confident individual.

There isn't a short answer to this but we have a theory behind it...

When you are heavily focused on your heath & fitness, several processes occur:

1. Sense of achievement. 

Setting and achieving fitness goals provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction due to the constant small wins achieved through the repetitions and discipline you set in your training program. This is a natural self-confidence booster. 

2. Your brain works! 

Exercise and moving your body has been shown to promote the growth of new brain cells and improve cognitive function. This obviously lead to better focus, memory, and overall mental clarity (at your job, side projects & personal life) contributing to a greater sense of well-being.

3. Improved self-esteem. 

Engaging in regular exercise and adopting a healthy lifestyle automatically improves self-esteem and body image. When we notice improvements in our physical fitness and appearance, we feel more confident and positive about ourselves - which translates to sharing this "new me". 

4. Endorphins releasing machine. 

It's not new, physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, hormones, and neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Your new "exercice highs" create a daily sense of euphoria and happiness. 

PS: imagine how you feel when you combine running and resistance training with bi-daily workouts! 

5. Stress release. 

You know it, we know it. Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. It helps to reduce levels of the body's stress hormones, such as cortisol, and stimulates the production of endorphins, which inevitably help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

6. Baby sleep. 

Haven't you noticed that you now sleep like a baby? Thanks to your daily dose of exercise, better nights of sleep enhance mood, cognitive function, and every decisions you make as soon as you wake up. 

7. Social bonds. 

Engaging in regular fitness activities often involves social interaction and new meet-ups. Improving your social support with people that thrive for the same values and goals leads to positive impacts on mental health and happiness.

8. Better food choices. 

Are you eating the same way compare to when you weren't heavily focus on elevating your fitness and quality of life? Don't think so. 

Overall, I think we can all agree that we simply become better human thanks to everything listed above. 

Is it something you are personally experiencing right now? Share your insights and thoughts with us! We'd love to have your feedback on this. 

Passionately,

Your coaches, at KINAVIA.

Written by Benjamin Desmet 

If you already experienced those process, then you can support us by spreading them to more people. Hit the forward button and share it with a friend to spread that hapiness!