MAXIMUM BENEFIT

Three ways to maximise the mental health rewards of your workout routine

ENTER THE COMPOUND

“Although bicep curls and abdominal crunches will always be popular for building self-confidence, the best exercises for maximum endorphin release are compound exercises,” says Peter Hopson, a personal trainer from Leeds. “These are exercises which use multiple muscle groups, such as deadlifts, squats and the bench press.”

UTILISE YOUR BODYWEIGHT

It’s important to find activities that you enjoy and are therefore more likely to stick to long-term. “Strength training does not have to include lifting weights,” adds Gordon. “There are many bodyweight exercises – press-ups, sit-ups, squats, and lunges – that can be done without any equipment at all.”

UP THE INTENSITY

While slow and steady cardio has its place in anyone’s routine, some studies have suggested HIIT does a better job of releasing those feelgood chemicals, which can reduce stress and anxiety, while boosting mood.

However, it’s important to find a type of exercise that suits you. “If you hate pull-ups but love rock climbing, then go do what you love,” says sport and performance psychologist

Hugh Gilmore. “Don’t treat yourself like a machine that needs an input of exercise, but as a human with a body that can do what it wants and likes to do.”