Hydrow = Confidence: Benefits Beyond the Workout

Aging brings exciting opportunities for growth in many areas of our lives—advancing our careers, growing our families, and uncovering new strengths and resilience within ourselves. Staying active becomes even more essential to our well-being with each passing year. Regular exercise is not just about maintaining fitness; it's about celebrating our body's capabilities and embracing the journey of aging with confidence, strength, and vitality so we can continue to do the things that we love with confidence.

Regular exercise is a powerful confidence builder, and Hydrow is here to help you keep—or build—confidence as you navigate life’s adventures at any age!  

As we age, our bodies naturally undergo physiological changes, making fitness even more important to maintaining our confidence in our physical abilities. Research shows that adults begin experiencing a gradual decline in muscle mass starting in their 40s, affecting overall strength. Hormonal changes can also lead to noticeable shifts in energy levels. These subtle effects of aging might cause you to hesitate before trying new activities as you wonder how your body will respond. This hesitation can chip away at your confidence. But it doesn’t have to be that way! 

Have no fear, Hydrow is here!

Regular exercise can play a major role in fostering both physical and mental confidence as you mature. It’s important to highlight the fact that confidence regarding your body goes beyond just physical appearance.

Regular exercise supports your daily physical activities—from walking the dog to carrying loads of laundry—but also helps you enjoy the activities you love. Mentally, it boosts your pride in what your body can accomplish.

Here’s how consistent physical activity with Hydrow can elevate your confidence levels.

Body image and self-acceptance

Feeling physically confident isn't about conforming to unrealistic social media standards; it’s about embracing and appreciating our unique bodies and their capabilities in all stages of life. Studies suggest that engaging in regular exercise is associated with higher levels of body satisfaction, improved self-esteem, and a more positive body image perception, regardless of an individual's weight or body composition. A body that moves a little more freely this week is really something to celebrate.

Physical strength and functional fitness

A study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine indicates that consistent exercise leads to enhanced physical strength, agility, and endurance, especially in older adults. These physical abilities translate into confidence in performing daily tasks and engaging in recreational sports activities with ease.

The sense of accomplishment and empowerment that comes along with maintaining a fitness regimen is quite the confidence booster! Hydrow can help you build healthy habits by tracking your workout days and celebrating consistency through visual indicators like blue dots on your calendar and weekly streaks on Hydrow and in the Hydrow mobile app.

Posture and body language

The benefits of exercise extend beyond physical fitness—they even enhance our body language. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that regular physical activity positively impacts body posture and contributes to assertive body language. Standing tall and strong not only shows confidence but also affects how others perceive and interact with us, boosting our self-assurance.

Hydrow has just the thing to help you with that: Try some workouts from our Strength category! 

Energy and personal well-being

Regular exercise is a fantastic way to boost your energy levels and make you feel more empowered in your everyday life. Adults who stay active consistently report feeling more energetic than their sedentary counterparts.

Regular exercise is a cornerstone of self-care, increasing your physical health and mental wellness, both of which have a positive impact on your overall energy levels. Exercise plays a major role in  reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing overall well-being. These benefits contribute to a strong sense of self-assurance and empowerment. 

Regular exercise isn't just about looking fit; it's about feeling empowered in your own skin and realizing the incredible potential your body holds. By consistently working out with Hydrow, you’re not just gaining physical strength and stamina, but building confidence in ways you haven’t even realized!  

Sources:

Goodpaster BH, Park SW, Harris TB, et al. The loss of skeletal muscle strength, mass, and quality in older adults: the health, aging and body composition study. Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 2006;61(10):1059-1064.

Labrie F, Bélanger A, Cusan L, et al. Marked decline in serum concentrations of adrenal C19 sex steroid precursors and conjugated androgen metabolites during aging. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 1997;82(8):2396-2402

Petrie, T. A., & Greenleaf, C. (2012). Sports Medicine, 42(6), 495-506, Exercise and body image: An evaluation of current research. 

BMC Public Health; 2023; 23: 1670. Published online 2023 Aug 30. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16617-4 Association between physical activity and body posture: a systematic review and meta-analysis