h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Studies of exercise have shown (I can't dig out the references right now) that taking up a sport/activity can help with low self-esteem and confidence.

It can help in the following ways :-

1) Any activity/sport involves challenges. Usually not huge un-conquerable ones but little achievable ones. In MountainBiking being able to clear (without putting a foot down) a technical section. In Yoga it could be achieving the 'Bow' position. Each time one of these is achieved it builds our self-confidence. We 'can' do something

2) Exercise releases chemicals, (I'm not a biologist so excuse me) endorphines and adrenalin (depending upon the type of exercise/activity), which gives us natural highs. These can help counterbalance the little lows of life.

3) Finally most exercise involves meeting people - often with a similar outlook (well you have the same interest at least) and friends can be the greatest boost to your confidence & self-esteem

I agree, and here I speak with the zeal of a convert. I always hated PE lessons when I was at school, and have never made any serious attempts to exercise until recently. I had heard that exercise could lift depression and give you a natural, healthy high, but I found it very hard to believe. Why would repetitive effort make you feel good?

But it does! As you say, there is the pleasure of setting yourself little challenges and beating them one by one. I'm 42 and began from a very low level of fitness, but I've progressed from swimming 15 lengths of my local pool to swimming (and enjoying) 50 lengths in a matter of weeks. I can even spend some time working out in the gym without feeling as if I'm going to pass out now, and afterwards I really do feel exceptionally alive and well.

Exercise does boost your self-esteem, because you are taking care of yourself and improving yourself. The extra confidence you feel is well-founded, because as you get fitter you have more energy and can get more done. For years my favourite exercise was the pint lift , but now I visit my local sports centre almost as often as I used to visit my local pub!