Psychological Effects of Exercise

Improved physical condition through undertaking physical exercise will not just result in an increase in the individuals’ energy levels during matches but will also help them achieve an all-round well-being. Although the mindset or daily commitments of some players may mean that they do not have the motivation or the opportunity to undergo fitness improving activities or exercise away from training sessions, this can not only effect their performance levels during a match and the tasks they can undertake on a daily basis but can also result in psychological harm. This is due to the fact that exercise does not just provide the body with physiological improvements, such as stronger heart and lower body fat, but can also help the mind. Brief explanations of the areas in which exercise can help include:

Anxiety

Chronic exercise may reduce trait anxiety Short-term benefit of acute exercise – up to 6 hours post-exercise Greatest effect in individuals which are highly anxious Aerobic exercise main form to battle anxiety

Depression

Exercise can be associated with antidepressant effects As with anxiety it can help the most severely depressed Resistance based and aerobic based exercise shown to improve levels of depression Amount of aid is dependant on length and frequency

An individual’s Self Esteem

Can be made up of social, academic and most appropriately physical self worth Physical self worth can then be broken down into physical strength, sport competence and attractiveness. Two are sport specific and the other can directly effect a persons own view of themselves.

Cognitive Performance

Exercise can cause a slight increase in reaction time, memory, reasoning and academic achievement.

Even though the undertaking of exercise is immensely crucial to an average persons’ health, and even more important to a footballer, it must also be pointed out that it does posses harmful and undesired implications.

Depression as a result of Exercise

Should results not come along as quickly as the individual had wanted, they may become depressed and decide not to continue

Social Physique Anxiety

Feel insecure about their body and fear peoples’ attitudes towards their body. They become worried about performing an exercise that involves people seeing their body.

Obsession or Addiction

Need to carry out everyday, sometimes more than once a day. Become dependant on training to make themselves feel good.