When you think of the reasons to join a gym and start exercising you could probably list numerous reasons to do so; for example, to slim down, beef up, to rehabilitate an injury, to strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles. These are all physical reasons, but have you ever considered the mental health reasons for joining a gym and exercising?Most people appreciate the mind-body connection. In my experience as a psychologist over the past 32 years, I estimate that when I first meet with a client struggling with depression, anxiety, or recovery from a chemical addiction, to name but a few, about 60-70% of the time one of my recommendations to them is get into a regular regimen of exercise. And when they come for a regular therapy session, I follow up by asking them if they are exercising regularly. It could be argued that walking up the stairs instead of using the elevator is a form of exercise. But a regimen of exercise is a structured, time-dedicated exercise program with specific goals and routines. And, I might add, there is an extra benefit to going to a gym as opposed to working out at home: there’s a socialization component. For an individual challenged by mental health difficulty, seeing and being around “healthy people working out and taking care of themselves” is important. This socialization aspect also includes being able to establish friendships and new acquaintances. Let’s face it, for some people ‘just getting out of the house on a regular basis”, is a good thing in and of itself.From a psychological or mental health perspective, there are several discernable benefits to an exercise regimen in a person’s life, including: 1. Being physically fit and being in shape enhances a person’s self-esteem. “Feeling good” feels good, and when you feel good – that’s good for you.2. A regular exercise regimen adds structure to your life. For some people, this can be extremely important. It’s healthy to have reasons to “get up and out” a few days a week. 3. It indeed may be easier to sleep at night (and eat better, I would add) if you are working out and getting exercise on a regular basis.4. When you are working out (for the right reasons), you essentially are doing something for yourself. You are being good to yourself. And I have to tell you that I see many people who do not know how to be good to themselves (or at least without feeling guilty about it). People struggling with co-dependency, for example, know how to take care of everyone else but themselves.5. Good, healthy socialization indeed is an enhancer of mental health. Going to bars and night clubs are ways of meeting and being around people. However, it is important to have balance in your socialization venues.I also frequently suggest that a newcomer to a gym begin by working with a trainer. In addition to learning how to exercise properly, a good trainer, like the trainers at Body Dynamics, keeps you focused on what you are doing and why you are doing it. They also add to the socialization factor. In addition, I typically recommend that my clients join for some extended period of time, at least three to six months. This way two things can happen: (1) they make a commitment (as opposed to a passing fancy); and (2) it takes about a month for a person to make regular exercise “part of their way of life”. I tell my clients. “I’d like for you to think of your regular exercise regimen as a program, not a short-term project. Make it part of your life.”Let me close by adding that I frequently have specifically recommended people to Body Dynamics (BodyD). In my experience, people come to BodyD for the right reasons. Jim and Debbie, the owners, have created a relaxing and healthy environment – it’s not the glitzy, yuppie type of place where people hang out for the wrong reasons. People go to BodyD for healthy reasons. Members of the staff are very friendly (the socialization component), they remember your name and always offer encouragement and helpful suggestions, and something else I consider very important: they offer helpful feedback and suggestions without putting your down or giving you the impression that you’re stupid. No one at BodyD is trying to be any better than anyone else (and if that were the case, it actually would be unhealthy). Instead, people are encouraged to be the best they can be and feel the best they can feel – for the right reasons.Dr. Emener is a member of Body Dynamics and works out three times a week. Professionally, Bill is a Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling on the Tampa Campus of the University of South Florida, and has a small private practice as a Licensed Psychologist located at 5400 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg (727-497-5359).

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