This week, I would like to touch on something that I have written a lot about which is the mind-body connection. For many people, starting fitness routines sounds great and with enthusiasm, off they go running, hitting the weights, biking etc. Then, shortly after they're committed, either their mind or their body pushes them to success or pulls them to failure with the same end result - on the comfy spot on the couch.

I know with me, I have days where my body needs to go, but my brain is saying otherwise. More often it's the other way around where my brain says "get moving" and the body just does not want to cooperate.

A number of studies show within five minutes of moderate exercise, you feel mood-enhancing effects. The psychological changes in your body are caused by a number of factors, not all of which come from those lovely little workout partners called endorphins.

Not enough research has been done on the relationship between mind and body when it comes to exercise. However, pretty good evidence from a small number of studies shows active people are happier with less chance of anxiety and depression. It seems people with an active lifestyle, getting in moderate exercise three or more times a week, are not only more physically healthy, but they are more mentally healthy and under less stress.

One of the more interesting aspects of exercise and how it enhances both mind and body is found between genders. A recent study showed that in the case of men, the higher levels of intense exercise gave them more mood enhancing benefits and reduced stress. With women, lower intensity exercise actually appeared to be more beneficial.

So the obvious question becomes which type of exercise is most beneficial?

Most of the studies only looked at aerobic exercise. However, a more recent study showed weight training to be very effective also. If exercise makes you feel amazing, then why are so many of us sedentary and why is it so hard to keep our fitness routines going?

Starting out can be tricky, so don't fall into a common trap.

Because most of us start out on the wrong foot, so to speak. We have very busy lives and little time to add one more thing to the mix. Most people start out too aggressively - creating burnout quickly - or become injured. Here are a few things to consider:

• Start your workouts slowly, build up your endurance and at the same time, by keeping each workout at a moderate pace, you create that immediate mood boost within 30 minutes.

• Give up at least one busy stress related activity in your day and replace it with a 30- to 45-minute workout routine.

• Do not expect instant gratification. Once you start an exercise program it is estimated that within 10 days, your mind/body benefits kick in and you start to desire the exercise. It stops feeling like a bother and starts to become a must have in your lifestyle.

• One of the most common benefits of exercise is it relieves stress. We often hear the term endorphins related to exercise. Exercise also increases the body's production of norepinephrine, a chemical that boosts your brain's response to stress.

• Exercise and fitness will boost your self-esteem and improve your positive self-image. This is another very important part of the mind-body connection. Body image has a huge impact on your overall mental health.

• Exercise makes you smarter. OK maybe not, but it can help keep you sharp and reduce cognitive degeneration. As we age, our brain does not function like it did when we were younger. People who exercise regularly in their 30s and 40s will get a boost in the chemicals in the brain that support the hippocampus, and the same exercise for people over 50 will slow brain degeneration, and improve memory and overall brain function.

• Exercise will improve your sleep patterns and give you a better night's rest. After a period of time where you have established a consistent workout regimen, your mind-body connection will sync up to allow you to sleep better. Studies have shown that the overall effect of moderate exercise has the equivalent affect of a sleeping pill. This benefit has been shown to even help people who have certain sleep disorders.

Although not all the facts are known on the connection between the chemical interaction in the brain and exercise, the benefits to both mind and body are real. It is clear that working out and building and toning muscles has a significant positive impact on your mental health.

There are so many great reasons to lead an active lifestyle, so get out there and be active. Exercise is one thing you can do for yourself to truly find a small tangible piece of feel good euphoria. Better living through an amazing mind-body connection.

Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corporation.