How you’re feeling can have a big impact on how you workout, from increasing the amount of effort you put in to making you skip a session altogether.
It’s important to listen to your emotions before doing any kind of exercise. Feeling angry or excited causes your body to release adrenaline that can give you a natural boost during cardio or high intensity workouts, while feelings of stress or anxiety are better suited to low impact, more mindful exercises like yoga or swimming.
Once you recognise and define how you’re feeling you can then channel this into something positive and select the best workout session to suit your mood.
Here are seven workouts routines that can be matched to our most common daily moods:
ENERGY - try boxing or body combat
While a boxing class can seem intimidating at first, the experience can be therapeutic. Not only does boxing provide you with an opportunity to release your emotions, it can also help increase your body’s endorphin production, which are natural ‘feel-good’ hormones. Boxing and combat classes are both great ways to relieve anger or stress while also strengthening your entire body in the process.
BALANCE - try low intensity cardio
If you feel your energy is balanced, the most important thing to do to keep it that way is to stick to your exercise routine. So instead of pounding away on the treadmill, opt for a low intensity cardio workout and head to the stationary bike. Choose a tension level you feel is right for you and simply spin it out. Your body will reap the health benefits even from a less intense workout.
HARMONY – try yoga or a mind, body & soul class
If you need to feel harmonious and calm, these simple yoga class poses can help you cool down and find your inner zen:
The Bridge Pose – The Bridge Pose offers incredible benefits for the mind, body and spirit. It can be done with a range of modifications and variations, making it perfect for beginners or avid yogis.
Extended Puppy Pose – A cross between Child’s Pose and Downward-Facing Dog, the Extended Puppy Pose lengthens the spine and calms the mind.
Standing Forward Bend – Not only does this pose rejuvenate the body, it also enables blood circulation in your head, giving your cells a rush of energizing oxygen.
Salutation Seal – In addition to a sense of opening your heart, this pose also has a calming effect on the mind and reduces stress and anxiety.
FUN – try Zumba or a dance class
Studies have shown that we get a bigger release of endorphins when we dance compared to other forms of exercise. Dancing prompts an emotional release, often happiness, and also improves spatial awareness and raises the heart rate causing a release of feel-good endorphins into the bloodstream.
HAPPINESS – try Zumba, belly dancing or cycling
Cycling is the perfect exercise to bring out a feeling of greater self-esteem, self-control and the ability to rise to a challenge. When you cycle outdoors your mind is more likely to be occupied by your surroundings rather than any negative thoughts. Cycling is also a low-impact exercise, making it easier on your joints compared to aerobic activities like running.
EXCITED – try jump, TUFF and body attack
If you’re feeling overly excited then try a jump, TUFF or body attack class to channel all your positive energy. Body attack allows you to train really hard during peak tracks and intervals. You can jump and push yourself through burpees or raise your knees to your chest during high knee runs. Your positivity energy will ensure you push yourself to the max.
PEACE – mind body & soul, yoga or swimming
Swimming stimulates mood-boosting hormones, it also allows you to clear your mind and find perspective on your day. If you’re in need of a serious wind down, then swimming is key.