Urging the government of BC to re-open gyms so those who need it for their mental/physical health and to help reduce stress caused by the difficult times brought on by Covid-19.

We already know that exercise is good for our bodies especially with all the Covid-19 snacking, but it’s also effective in dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, and so much more that comes with these difficult times! Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity and muscle size. Sure, exercise can improve our physical health, physique, trim your waistline, improve your sex life, and even add years to your life however. People who exercise regularly tend to do so because it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. It is also a powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges.

Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. It relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better.

Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication. Exercise is a powerful depression fighter for several reasons. Most importantly, it promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that energize your spirits and make you feel good. Finally, exercise can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression. Exercise is also a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins.

With a number of Canadians under a larger then normal level of stress due to the economy and virus. Muscles that are tense, especially in face, neck, and shoulders could be leaving Canadians with back or neck pain, or painful headaches. They may feel a tightness in their chest, a pounding pulse, or muscle cramps. They may also experience problems such as insomnia, heartburn, stomachache, diarrhea, or frequent urination. The worry and discomfort of all these physical symptoms can in turn lead to even more stress, creating a vicious cycle between the mind and body. Exercising is an effective way to break this cycle. As well as releasing endorphins in the brain, physical activity helps to relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better so, too, will your mind.

Opening the gyms will allow Canadians a place to be healthier and be less of a burden on the healthcare system in the long run when all this is over.

So for the mental and physical health of British Columbians and Canadians please allow the gyms to re-open with safe healthy and obtainable guidelines.