October News Letter How adaptable are you?

When I first started exercising, like many of you, my main goal was to lose weight. I also hoped to improve my mental health. But now I see that was just scratching the surface of the benefits exercise can bring. I’ve talked before about the science behind these processes, and I promise, understanding it can be really rewarding.

Let's talk about adaptation. In simple terms, it’s how your body adjusts and becomes better suited to the challenges you give it through exercise. Think back to your first few workouts—you might have felt out of breath, shaky, or super sore afterward (hello, D.O.M.S!). But over time, that changes, right? You start to recover faster, feel stronger, and those workouts that used to leave you wiped out become more manageable. That’s adaptation in action.

Beyond the physical changes like improved muscle tone, better sleep, and a healthier heart, exercise also works wonders on your mind. It’s like giving your brain a much-needed refresh, boosting your focus, memory, and even your ability to think more clearly. Plus, it’s a great way to shake off anxiety. Picture it as a bubble bath for your brain—relaxing, soothing, and just what you need after a long day.

But that’s not all. Regular exercise helps your brain grow new cells, making it stronger and more resilient, much like building muscles. This can even help protect against age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. It’s pretty incredible when you think about it.

On the physical side, staying active reduces your risk of serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can even slow down the aging process, keeping your muscles strong and your bones healthy. And by conditioning your body, you’re less likely to get injured—think of it as a way to future-proof yourself.

Now, here’s an interesting way to look at it: when we exercise, we’re actually putting a bit of stress on our bodies, but in a good way. Just like how winemakers stress their vines to produce the best grapes, this kind of stress helps us grow and improve. It builds our resilience, so when life throws a challenge our way, we’re better equipped to handle them.

Remember, it’s all about balance. Regular breaks, rest days, good nutrition, and sleep are key to making this positive stress work for us. The pandemic was a perfect example of how adaptable we can be when faced with new challenges. Just like our bodies adapt to exercise, we can adapt and grow stronger in life too.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out.

Becky x