The true benefits of exercise

I never thought I'd be the type of person talking about fitness or the benefit of exercise but in January I set myself a goal to join the gym. I achieved this goal except I thought oh, well I'll probably go for a few weeks then stop going, oh how wrong I was. In fact I've become one of those people who loves the gym. Don't worry, not to the point where I live and breathe the gym and it's my life but ever since starting it not only am I fitter but my mind and body are healthier. I saw a post  by Joe Wicks or A.K.A the body coach about the mental health benefits of exercise and I totally agree with his stance (you can read it here). You're probably wondering why an earth I decided to join the gym? Well, in case you don't follow me on instagram (cheeky little plug there) then you may not know that I suffer with IBS or irritable bowel syndrome meaning that I don't digest food in a normal way. I tend to have a very fast digestion (just what you wanted to know, I know) and it means that I've always struggled to gain weight. After finally getting the IBS diagnosis I questioned how I could improve my condition and was told do you exercise? I always thought going to the fridge and back was my kinda exercise but no I didn't. So I decided to see if this was a thing and it definitely is a thing. My digestion has improved and so has the stomach aches I used to experience. It has 100% helped in and if you're struggling with IBS try and give it ago! I'm not saying start lifting weights and going nuts, I only do cardio and that's working for me. I've also hit my goal weight and I'm no longer classed as underweight and I am over the moon about that.  On the other hand, since exercising I've also noticed a dramatic improvement in my mental health. I struggled badly with my mental health when I was about 18-21 but still experience anxiety and stress. When I'm stressed or feel anxious after session in the gym I feel so much better. It's that concept of headphones in world out. Leave what has happened behind and you're working out but forgetting everything you might be caught up on and can honestly say that I'm happier and more confident since January. This isn't an advertisement for going to join the gym it's just my expression of how it's helped me and how it could help you too!