APRIL SHOWERS
April 2, 2022
Spring has sprung!!!! Have you noticed all the flowers blooming? Appreciated the rain? Been over the moon every time the sun has come out to remind you what a beautiful place we live in? I hope so! Don’t let yourself be stuck under any of those clouds. And if you do find yourself under a cloud or a deadline or overwhelmed by the news, we have part of your solution at Ballard Health Club. We’re here to help you get up and MOVE your body! I’m writing from experience; I don’t think I’m the only one here in the PNW that gets some seasonal blues or feels a little anxiety from the state of the world. According to the Mayo Clinic website, regular exercise may help ease depression and anxiety by:
Releasing feel-good endorphins, natural cannabis-like brain chemicals (endogenous cannabinoids), and other natural brain chemicals that can enhance your sense of well-being.
Taking your mind off worries so you can get away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression and anxiety. Regular exercise has many psychological and emotional benefits, too. It can help you:
Gain confidence. Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. Getting in shape can also make you feel better about your appearance.
Get more social interaction. Exercise and physical activity may give you the chance to meet or socialize with others. Just exchanging a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your neighborhood can help your mood.
Cope in a healthy way. Doing something positive to manage depression or anxiety is a healthy coping strategy. Trying to feel better by drinking alcohol, dwelling on how you feel, or hoping depression or anxiety will go away on its own can lead to worsening symptoms.
We’re offering more and more classes to get you started or to keep you going. For the month of April, bring a friend or two to our Free Class of the Month. This month's free class is Flow Yoga with Wei-Ming on Thursdays at 7pm; he’s a functional movement enthusiast that will inspire you to pay attention to your body and help clear your mind.
We’ve also added more cycling classes and another Silver Sneakers at Leif Erikson Hall. You just need to decide it’s time to move, then get to the gym, sign up or sign in and have fun. We’re doing our part, and we’re going to keep showing up and doing our best to keep you motivated. Now it’s up to you, take that first step and make that commitment to yourself to feel better. And keep moving by taking that 2nd, 3rd and 4th step that gets you in the door, on the floor or in a studio with an instructor! I’ll see you in class!
Karen Gamble
Class Director