To start off my senior project, I wanted to do some background research on exercise and mental health. I started by researching what happens in the brain when you exercise. I used databases and scientific journals to ensure that the information was accurate. While I found a lot of interesting information, there were some discrepancies and differences between different articles. They seemed to be making educated assumptions based on research rather than stating facts. I realized that a lot of what happens in the brain during exercise is still relatively unknown, however there is a lot of research being done to answer these questions. I read a few studies on the use of exercise as a treatment for anxiety and as a way to manage stress levels which I found very interesting. When coming into this I knew from experience that exercise had a positive impact on mental health, but it was really cool to see how scientists are hoping to incorporate specific types of exercise/exercise plans into existing treatment plans for certain mental health disorders.

I also worked on research more focused around current events, specifically the corona virus outbreak. I looked at articles about how the pandemic is impacting the fitness industry, and how companies and individuals are adapting. It was interesting to see all of the new and improved digital fitness services that are being offered as a response to the stay-at-home orders and gym closures. While certain business models, such as physical gyms, are struggling during this time, others that rely on social media or apps are actually thriving. It made me want to learn more about how this pandemic might impact the fitness industry in the long-term.

Along with my research, I have been preparing to conduct interviews, which I will hopefully begin later this week or early next week. I wrote a series of questions that I plan on using in interviews with fitness instructors/members of the fitness industry. I also have been writing questions that I plan on using in interviews with students, teachers, parents, and other members of my community. These interviews are meant to help me understand how a variety of individuals’ exercise routine are being impacted by Covid-19, how they are adapting, and how this is impacting their mental health.

The last component of my project that I have been working on so far is actually trying new at-home workouts myself. I plan on using a variety of different modes, such as apps, Instagram live, virtual workout classes, youtube videos, etc. So far, I have been exercising from home every day and writing my reactions to each workout in a journal. I hope to also keep track of my mental health and stress levels in this journal to see how exercise is impacting this.