Part 2 of this series discussed how exercise can help balance neurotransmitter levels. Exercise can also help improve hormone levels.
Exercise and Hormone Balance
Exercise is known to help the body rebalance hormones and alleviate many symptoms of hormone imbalance. Exercising every day is especially important because consistent exercise is crucial for balancing blood sugars and relieving stress, which will help you rebalance your hormones. In fact, research has shown time and time again that getting 30 minutes of exercise five or more times per week will help rebalance hormone (and neurotransmitter) levels, as well as improve sleep, alleviate stress, reduce insulin resistance, increase energy, and burn body fat.
Consistency is the key that allows exercise to make positive, long-term changes in your hormone levels. It is more important for you to exercise 20 minutes every day than do a two hour “weekend warrior” type of training session once or twice a week. This can take some planning, but it usually comes down to finding a time in your schedule that works for you and finding some type of exercise that you really like to do. If you do something you love to do–something you look forward to–it won’t be nearly as hard to “fit it in.”
If you don’t already have a number of exercise methods you enjoy, you’re going to have to find some. Remember, it is the total time you spend in physical activity that counts – it doesn’t matter nearly as much what you do – it matters that you get the time in. So, find a variety of exercises that excite and invigorate you and get moving for 30 minutes every day. The key is to get your heart rate up and get a good sweat on.
Part 4 of this series will outline how exercise can help improve blood sugar control by combating insulin resistance.
