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Mental Health: Feeling stressed? Try exercising that right hook
Research has shown that physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood lifters
- PUBLISHED: Thu 13 Mar 2025, 10:48 PM UPDATED: Mon 2 Jun 2025, 12:54 PM
Exercise is known for its physical benefits, but its role in supporting mental health outcomes is gaining more recognition. From stress relief to enhanced emotional resilience, regular movement can offer substantial psychological advantages. But what exactly makes exercise such a therapeutic tool?
Cyrus Rustom, the founder of Boxica, a leading boutique fitness studio located in Dubai, draws from his own experiences training in the British Royal Marines. He believes discipline in physical training contributes to mental clarity and emotional stability.
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“When I train, everything else feels smaller,” he explained. “Exercise clears my mind, gives me focus, and boosts my self-belief.” He has found that this, in turn, enhances personal resilience, which is especially important during challenging life events.
His personal experiences are often mirrored in those of his clients at Boxica, which offers a diverse range of classes, state-of-the-art facilities, and has a strong emphasis on community. He notices the stark differences in clients comparing when they first start at Boxica to just a few sessions after.
“Imagine someone who has not trained in a while, they’re out of shape, they don’t feel good about themselves. And then they make a choice to come to Boxica, or any gym for that matter.
“When they start training, it’s quite painful to begin with — like it physically hurts and they get sore. But as time passes and they’re consistent, they have more energy, they may drop a few kilos. At the same time, they’re also meeting new people on this fitness journey, showing up, bettering themselves, and doing what they said they would do. Those good experiences in the gym go on to affect every part of their life — they become more positive, confident, and productive.”
Rustom also highlights boxing as a particularly effective form of exercise for stress relief. “Punching is a natural human action,” he said. “In a controlled environment, like with a punching bag, it allows people to release stress and anxiety safely.” For those seeking a physical outlet for their emotions, boxing offers a unique way to channel aggression and frustration, leading to both physical and mental catharsis.
The therapeutic effects of exercise are well-documented in scientific literature supporting Rustom’s observations. Research has shown that physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood lifters. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, regular exercise can lead to long-term mental health benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved wellbeing.
Studies suggest that even moderate physical activity, such as walking or light cycling, can have a profound impact on mood regulation, stress management, and overall mental resilience. Exercise has also been shown to enhance sleep quality and reduce stress hormones like cortisol, further supporting its role in managing mental health.
Building on the idea of exercise as a therapeutic tool, Aaron Agnew, a Canadian personal trainer with 12 years of experience in the UAE, shares his perspective on the role trainers play in supporting their clients’ mental wellbeing. “It’s definitely just part of the role,” Agnew said, describing how his clients frequently turn their training sessions into a space for emotional release. “When you spend hours a week with someone, that’s often more time than they spend with their best friends, so it’s natural that they will want to talk about what’s going on in their lives.”
He notes that many people see their trainers as safe spaces to vent, sharing personal struggles that range from work stress to relationship issues.
And despite not being a therapist, Agnew recognises the importance of providing a compassionate, empathetic ear. “Counselling and providing mental wellbeing support isn’t a formal part of personal trainers’ certification, but emotional intelligence definitely helps build a good realtionship with your client. I try to understand where they’re coming from, and help them relate their challenges back to fitness,” he explained.
By redirecting clients’ stress into their workout, Agnew helps them regain a sense of control over their mental wellbeing. The physicality of exercise, paired with emotional support, often leads to significant phsyical improvements, as well as improvements in mood and stress levels.
However, Agnew also admits that absorbing clients’ emotional burdens can be draining. “There are days and even with certain clients that it can become emotionally challenging for me,” he said. “You’re essentially an emotional sponge for people.”
Having recognised this, Agnew makes it crucial to maintain his own boundaries and recognise when a situation might require professional, clinical intervention. “If I see someone struggling with something beyond my scope, like substance abuse, I always recommend seeking professional help.”
Rustom and Agnew’s insights reflect the growing recognition that fitness is not just about the body — it’s about the mind as well. Exercise can serve as a starting point to working on your mental wellbeing on your own or it can complement therapy in the clinical sense.
Whether in the form of structured training or casual movement, with people on your own, exercise offers a unique outlet for emotional release making it an indispensable tool for maintaining mental health.