Everyday of our lives we face situations and challenges that have the power to cause us stress. Some people find ways to calmly approach the situation and look for a solution, while others simply feel stuck and struggle to overcome the stress they face.
Maria Bajo
Stress is created in the brain and can be the result of a number of difficult situations in various aspects of life including work and relationship difficulties, family problems and also financial trouble.
There are a variety of different methods and techniques we can use to control our stress levels, with the most natural and effective way being exercise.
As a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I meet many people whose stress levels need to be controlled and balanced. My advice is to do some form of exercise at least 3-4 times each week.
Many of these exercises can be done at home in your living room and even in your bedroom so just switch on your favourite music and be active for at least half an hour at a time.
Try these 5 different types of exercises to actively help lower your stress levels and activate the endorphins in your brain:
- One of the best, and my favourite exercise, is PUSH UPS. You’ll no longer need your morning coffee if you do 15-20 push ups in three rounds. Push ups work on several different muscle groups including; core, shoulders, and chest whilst also speeding up your heart rate to provide you with a more energised feeling that actively lowers your stress level. Push ups can be practised at any age.
- POWER FORWARD LUNGES are a great way to improve your energy levels and raise your heart rate. They’re an excellent exercise to do at home and are effective on leg and glute muscles.
- MOUNTAIN CLIMBER exercises are a perfect fit for all. They are a compound exercise, meaning that they work several joints and muscle groups simultaneously. The steady running motion targets your glutes and leg muscles, including your quadriceps and hamstrings.
- You’re probably already aware that Cardio exercises can help in so many ways, especially in relation to depression and stress release, and we need only a small space in the room to practice BURPEES.
Doing burpees is a full body workout in every sense. They build strength and endurance, raise your heart rate and burn bundles of calories, while also testing your balance and co-ordination.
This move works your arms, back, chest, core, glutes and legs.
I have to point out that there is no pleasant way to do burpees. Whether you do them for time or total reps before you get a breather, your heart will be thumping in your chest, your lungs will be on fire, and every muscle will be screaming for you to stop. However, you will see great results if you practice them regularly.
- LYING DOWN BICYCLE EXERCISES are also a favourite of mine. These exercises work on the core by focusing on the muscles in your legs and upper body. You can do this exercise in a slow motion, or for a higher intensity workout, just pick up the speed. Using either method will help you to improve both physically and mentally.
The 5 stress busting exercises mentioned above are easy to do at home and so simple, even the busiest of us can find time to work out. There’s no equipment needed, just you and your determination. Doing these exercises 3-4 times a week will help you to see results in a very short time, both physically and by improving the “FEEL GOOD” stress-free levels of your mind and body.
By Maria Bajo, co-founder, http://msfitnesslondon.squarespace.com
Tagged in Stress