As personal trainers, we are always looking for ways to improve our client’s overall health and well-being. One book that has had a significant impact on our approach to fitness is The Body Keeps the Score written by renowned psychiatrist and trauma specialist Bessel van der Kolk.

It’s an enlightening book that delves into the complex relationship between physical and mental health and explores the powerful connection between physical activity and trauma recovery.

The main idea of the book is that physical activity can be used to strengthen mental health and promote healing from trauma.

Van der Kolk also explains how exercise can be used to cultivate self-regulation of emotions and to provide a sense of mastery and a sense of control. He also talks about the ways exercise can improve sleep quality and enhance overall well-being.

The book also provides practical tips and advice for incorporating physical activity into trauma recovery.

Physical activity has been proven to enhance overall well being, including mental health.

Book Review: The Body Keeps the Score

Why It Relates to Exercise and Physical Activity

One of the key themes is the importance of physical activity in the healing process. Van der Kolk highlights the role of exercise in reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are often associated with trauma. He explains how exercise can help to regulate the nervous system and reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body, leading to a greater sense of calm and well-being.

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Exercise helps to regulate the nervous system and thereby aid to reduce anxiety and depression!

The Importance of Body Awareness and Connection

One of the key messages of The Body Keeps the Score is the importance of finding physical activities that promote body awareness and connection. Van der Kolk suggests a range of activities that can be beneficial for people who have experienced trauma, including yoga, dance, martial arts, and other forms of exercise that incorporate mindfulness and body awareness.

As personal trainers, we work with our clients to develop customized exercise programs that are tailored to their individual needs and goals. We also incorporate elements of mindfulness and body awareness into our sessions, using balance, stability, and breathing exercises to help our clients become more attuned to their bodies.

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At Nielsen Fitness we create customized exercise programs to help our clients connect with their minds and bodies and improve their overall health.

Top Exercise Tips From this Book

Some of the key exercise tips from The Body Keeps the Score include:

  • Find physical activities that you enjoy and that promote body awareness
  • Practice mindfulness and body awareness during exercise by focusing on your breath and how your body feels in each movement
  • Incorporate yoga or other forms of stretching into your routine to promote flexibility and reduce stress
  • Use exercise as a way to regulate your nervous system and reduce stress hormones in the body
  • Work with a trainer or coach who understands the role of physical activity in healing from trauma
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A trainer can help you understand the connection between physical activity and healing from trauma.

Ways we can Help

At Nielsen Fitness, we are committed to helping our clients achieve their health and fitness goals in a safe and supportive environment. We offer customized exercise programs that are tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals, whether they are looking to improve their overall fitness, manage chronic pain, or trauma.

So if you or someone you care about is looking for a supportive and personalized approach to fitness, then we invite you to reach out to us for a complimentary consultation and first workout.

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Whether you're looking to manage pain or trauma or just improve your overall fitness, we can help. Contact us today to get started.