Ep #28 Exercise & Happiness, with Jake Illing

Welcome to the How to Die Happy podcast, where we explore the multifaceted journey towards true happiness. In this episode, we delve into exercise and its mental health benefits with our guest Jake Illing, founder of Bali Training Centre.

Co-hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson engage in a fitness-filled discussion with Jake, covering everything from general fitness, running, and cardio, Muay Thai boxing, to hot and cold plunge therapy. The conversation also touches on the benefits of meditation and breathwork, which, similarly to exercise, can provide peace and inner stillness.

The trio highlights the role of social media in promoting body paranoia and vanity, and how biohacking techniques such as Wim Hof, saunas, and cold plunges can benefit the body and its recovery process after exercise. The conversation also explores the intersection between contemporary and ancient modalities, where yogic practices and breathwork can amplify the benefits of an intensive workout.

Exercise is not just about physical health and aesthetics; it has numerous mental health benefits. Studies have shown that regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Exercise can also relieve stress, improve memory, help with sleep, and boost overall mood.

Jake Illing is passionate about "Earth Rover maintenance", and his knowledge and expertise in personal training are evident in this podcast episode. Whether you share this passion or are interested in the life-changing and life-saving benefits of movement and exercise, this podcast is for you.

The conversation explores the complexities of the "anatomy of happy", reminding us that we often forget the subtle (and not-so-subtle) aspects associated with it. One such component is how we treat our bodies, which Martin aptly calls our "Earth Rovers."

Exercise is a powerful tool to deal with mental health problems, improve energy and outlook, and get more out of life. Whether you're a fitness fanatic or just starting, exercise can make a real difference in your mental and physical well-being. Even modest amounts of exercise can have a positive impact.

Studies have shown that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication without the side effects or need for such questionable prescriptions. Regular exercise can also prevent relapse and promote neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns in the brain. In the podcast, Martin, Jules, and Jake discuss the benefits of exercise for depression, anxiety, and stress.

Exercise is also a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment that relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being by releasing endorphins. By adding mindfulness to exercise, such as focusing on your body and how it feels, you can improve your physical condition faster and interrupt the flow of constant worries running through your head.

Physical symptoms of stress, such as tense muscles and headaches, can be relieved by exercising. Since the body and mind are closely linked, when the body feels better, the mind does too.

In summary, exercise is not just about physical health and aesthetics. Fitness can make a real difference in your psychological and physical well-being. It has numerous mental health benefits and can be a powerful tool for dealing with mental health problems.

Join us in this insightful and fun conversation with Jake Illing, one of Bali's most respected fitness experts, and learn about exercise's life-changing and life-saving benefits. So, what are you waiting for? Let's explore the mental health benefits of exercise together in this most active episode of the How to Die Happy podcast.