(Julia Pilliar)
Many people believe that worthwhile exercise involves treadmills, weights, and large machines that necessitate a costly gym membership. This type of exercise can actually be counter-productive to exercise goals, whether they be weight loss, strength gains, stress management, or otherwise. This is because exercise is actually a stressor to the body.
Some stress is good and challenges our bodies to adapt to difficult conditions, making us stronger and more efficient. However, if we experience chronic stress (due to daily poor nutrition, worry about finances, or exposure to environmental toxins, for example), our bodies never have a chance to repair, adapt, and grow.
If you experience high levels of stress, running on the treadmill may in fact, make things worse, even if you experience a brief euphoric effect directly following. Two hours later you may find yourself exhausted, in a poor mood, or mentally foggy.
To reduce your stress and increase your energy levels, engage in deep breathing and meditative activities that calm the nervous system and help to balance catabolic (tissue breakdown) and anabolic (tissue repair) processes. Depending on your level of stress, you will find an appropriate balance of calming activities such as deep breathing, meditation, stretching, Qigong, and yoga, and more vigorous activities of aerobic conditioning and strength-training.
For further information regarding stress and exercise, come in and ask one of our health and wellness professionals.
