Stress is your body's response to life events that make your feel upset or threatened in any way. Stress is your body's way of protecting you and can help you to stay focused and alert in emergency situations. Stress can also cause constant worrying, lack of concentration, agitation, isolation, depression, frequent colds, aches, pains, procrastination, nervous habits, overeating and use of drugs and alcohol to relax. Stress can be caused by home life, work, illness and relationships. One means of relieving stress is to join your local gym. Exercise can help you relieve stress and feel better about yourself.
Step 1
Plan to visit the gym regularly. The National Academy of Sports Medicine recommends that healthy adults participate in at least 30 minutes of exercise five days each week. Regular exercise can help improve your mood and emotional well-being as well as help to protect your body against conditions such as osteoarthritis, heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and obesity. Get into a routine and stick with it. Visit the gym before or after work or school on a consistent basis.
Step 2
Participate in a 5- to 10-minute warm-up. Walk on a treadmill or use an elliptical machine to help loosen your muscles and joints; this can help prevent injuries as you work out.
Step 3
Take a yoga or Pilates class. The mind-body connection of these activities can help to ease stress while improving your flexibility. Deep-breathing techniques can help you to relax and take your mind off of stressful situations. Aches and pains associated with stress can also be helped by stretching techniques used in yoga and Pilates.
Step 4
Sign up for a kickboxing class. Kickboxing can allow you to relieve stress and anger by punching and kicking a punching bag while allowing you to reap the benefits of a complete cardiovascular exercise workout.
Step 5
Try out different equipment at the gym. Use weight machines, stair-steppers, elliptical machines, treadmills, rowers and stationary bikes. Find a few machines that you are comfortable with using on a regular basis.
Step 6
Look for different classes that pique your interest. In addition to kickboxing, yoga and Pilates, many gyms also offer aerobics and dancing classes. Look for an upbeat class that allows you to have fun and not think about stressful situations in your life.
References
- "National Academy of Sports Medicine Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"; Scott Lucett, et al.; 2008
- HelpGuide; Understanding Stress; Melinda Smith, M.A., et al.
