Mental health professionals say in times of stress, exercise is critical.
This stress can be from economic down-turns, family issues, job loss, moving, social problems or a multitude of other things.
"The research is really clear, the first line of treatment for depression and stress is exercise and talk therapy," said Robbie Babbins-Wagner, CEO of the Calgary Counselling Centre.
There are at least three reasons to this; (1) chemicals released during exercise make you feel better, (2) the feeling of success from having a work-out improves your mood, and (3) the long-term health benefits of fitness never change.
But, in times where money is short – what do you do?
Well, first of all look at your budget.What's more important, designer coffees or your life?
Second, there are a lot of free fitness options – such as a peppy walk or doing exercises with your own body weight.Anyone can do push ups, sit ups or pull ups. If you add a few resistance band exercises to make things harder, you can get a full body workout.
For more options go to http://www.flamanfitness.com/blog/top-reasons-non-fitness or http://learn.flamanfitness.com/articles/cardio-workouts or http://learn.flamanfitness.com/articles/how-to-best-use-strength-machines