Fitness for Resilience: Can You Train Your Nervous System Like a Muscle?

Here’s a thought that might challenge how you see exercise...

What if working out isn’t just about your muscles? What if it's also about your mindset and your nervous system?

We often talk about exercise helping with stress, but it goes deeper than that. When you move your body, especially in a consistent, intentional way, you’re actually teaching your nervous system how to regulate itself.

You’re practising how to:

Calm yourself after getting worked up (just like after a high-intensity workout)
Stay steady under pressure (think balance training or focused breathwork)
Breathe through discomfort without panicking (reminds me of Parkrun!)
Come back to centre when things feel a bit wobbly - physically and emotionally

And the best part? You don’t need to be smashing PBs or doing 60-minute sessions to get those benefits. Even mindful walking, stretching, or gentle strength work helps send the message to your nervous system: “You’re safe. You can adapt. You’ve got this.”

That’s resilience in action.

What’s one type of movement that helps you feel emotionally stronger or more grounded?

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