Endorphins

• But a recent study suggests that exercise may have another unexpected benefit: it might make us more tolerant to pain.
• The study, published in the journal PLOS One, found people who regularly exercised had a higher pain tolerance compared with those who hardly exercised.
• The longer they keep their hand in the water, the greater their pain tolerance.
• But active participants still had higher pain tolerance compared with inactive people, despite this decrease.
• Still, this study joins a growing body of research which has shown the benefits of physical activity on pain tolerance.

Exercise and pain

• This essentially refers to a reduction in pain and sensitivity that people report during and following exercise.
• It could be argued that exercise brings with it some level of pain – from stitches and muscle aches to that burning sensation you feel when trying to squeeze out that last rep. Because of this, exercise has the power to change the way we appraise pain.
• Furthermore, exercise helps us learn how to distract ourselves from pain – such as when we listen to music while running.
• Regular physical activity can help us overcome fear of pain and movement and allows us to be prepared for the experience of pain.
• These findings may also add to a growing body of evidence that argues exercise may help manage chronic pain.

• The Canadian Mental Health Association estimates that by the age of 40, about half of people will either have had a mental illness or will currently be dealing with one.
• However, research has shown the importance of exercise in not only preventing mental illness, but also treating it.
• Of these, anxiety and depression are the most common, with depression being the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Exercise can make you happy

• Exercise and activity have long been known to improve mood.
• And the greatest benefits occurred in those people who exercised 45 minutes or more for three or more days per week.
• Over time, regular exercise can result in less likelihood for getting depression and anxiety.

Exercise as treatment for mental illness

• Numerous studies indicate exercise as an effective treatment for people with existing depression and other mental illnesses.
• While exercise is beneficial at all intensity levels, it appears higher intensity exercise may be more effective than low intensity.

How exercise works to improve mental well-being

• Exercise may improve mental well-being due to the release of hormones and brain function.
• Exercise can increase BDNF levels in people with depression, as well as increase hippocampus volume.

Take it outside

• It is associated with greater chances for mental illness, but can be reduced with a walk through a natural environment.
• This follows similar programs in many other countries such as New Zealand, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom.
• But for others, exercising in nature is a simple and cost-saving activity to maintain your mental health and treat mental illnesses.
• Scott Lear writes a biweekly blog Become Your Healthiest You and co-hosts a monthly podcast How to Health.

• Established non-pharmaceutical pain relief technologies include heat and electrical stimulation, but more advanced solutions using light therapy and radio waves are emerging.
• Heat therapy is a popular non-pharmaceutical method for pain relief that can increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
• Yet emerging flexible electronics technologies could overcome some existing form factor restrictions that reduce wearer comfort.
• Why wearables for drug-free health management and which technologies have the most commercial potential?

• "Our exclusive partnerships with underground artists and labels allow members to discover music and albums before they drop while working out in our clubs," said Victor Bao, Chief Marketing Officer at Retro Fitness.
• With artists from around the world dropping their music in our clubs first, The Beat @ Retro Fitness is unique in our industry as yet another brand differentiator to the classic gyms."
• Members can now experience The Beat at one of 200 local Retro Fitness health clubs across the country.
• For more information on Retro Fitness, The Beat, and all other company initiatives, please visit RetroFitness.com .