Why Make Physical Activity Part of Your Daily Life?

We all know that being active has many health benefits. Physical activity helps prevent chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes【1】. But the positive effects of an active, healthy lifestyle go well beyond the physical.

The Brain–Body Connection

Studies show that both cardiovascular and strength training improve cognitive performance when integrated regularly into daily routines.

Exercise has a direct impact on chemical reactions in the brain. One effect is the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin plays a key role in mood regulation, learning, and memory. Dopamine contributes to motivation, focus, and alertness. Together, they influence our emotional balance, energy levels, and mental capacity—benefits that translate into quicker reaction times, sharper focus, and improved performance.

Small Efforts, Big Results

Remarkably, as little as 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day is enough to improve cognitive skills【2】. And increasing the duration and intensity can lead to even greater results.

This can be particularly helpful for students and workers alike. For example, keeping physically active during exam season may boost academic efficiency and lead to better outcomes. Yet ironically, when faced with high workloads or stress, many people abandon their fitness routines—citing lack of time, fatigue, or pressure as reasons. Research suggests, however, that staying active during these periods could actually help manage stress and increase productivity.

How to Stay on Track

Sticking to long-term lifestyle changes can be hard. Work shifts, midterms, or even a breakup can throw off your rhythm. The key is to stay consistent—even when life gets complicated.

Start by choosing an activity that truly motivates you. It could be a team sport, individual training, or a group fitness class. What matters most is that it’s something you enjoy and that you schedule it regularly.

You're more likely to stay consistent with a weekly Tuesday evening cycling club than if you simply aim to hit the gym three times a week without support or structure.

Tools for Staying Active at Centre Multisports

At the Centre Multisports, we offer many ways to help you stay active. Our kinesiology services provide customized fitness programs tailored to your goals. Our group classes help boost motivation and push you further. You can also explore a range of exciting activities such as climbing, combat sports, and much more in our state-of-the-art facilities.

The key is to find something you enjoy that fits your schedule. That’s where the magic happens.

1. Gouvernement du Canada, Votre santé et activité physique, 2018, URL : https ://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-publique/services/etre-actif/votre-sante-activite-physique.html#a1
2. Julia C. Basso and Wendy A. Suzuki, The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood,Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways : A Review, Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA, 2017.