Workouts for Every Mood

(Prevention.com) -- Don't let your emotions sabotage your workouts

No matter how much you love your exercise routine, it can be hard to get yourself up for a salsa dance class when there's been another round of layoffs at work or your mother's ill. But studies have shown that even mild exercise — about 40% of your max heart rate — can lift your mood.

"Lots of people skip working out when their mood isn't ideal because they don't have the mental energy to switch gears," says mental health and exercise expert Jack Raglin, PhD, of Indiana University. "But the trick lies in finding the right workout to match the mood you're in." For example, some workouts have a calming effect, while others are stimulating. Here's what Raglin recommends to keep you exercising no matter what your state of mind:

When you're angry

"As tempting as it may be, skip the kickboxing," he advises. "You can't punch away anger. Instead, do something that involves your mind and keeps you from focusing and ruminating on what has you angry. Play racquetball, or take an aerobics class you've never tried. Learning new moves will free your mind from what's been upsetting you."

If you've got the blues

"Studies have shown that even mild exercise, about 40% of your max heart rate, can lift your mood," says Raglin. "So, if you're not up for the usual high-energy stuff, do some leisure activity you enjoy, such as digging in your garden or walking in a park. View it as mental recreation, not exercise."

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