According to ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, exercise can be an effective component in managing stress. When you put your body through some sort of exercise, it has the potential to significantly lower the mental pressure you’re feeling. You not only benefit from what it can do for your body, but how it can leave a positive impression on your mental state.
NeuroForce1 delivers individualized human performance programs using the latest technology and sports science to achieve maximum results. We work with people on every level from beginners to expert athletes to ensure they are in top health. Read our blog post below and learn which exercises can help reduce your stress.
Reduce Stress with Aerobic Exercises
One of the easiest and fastest ways to destress is by taking in some sort of cardio exercise. These types of exercises will elevate your heart rate, which releases endorphins in the brain. These are feel-good neurochemicals that make you more resilient and help you cope with stressful situations. There are many examples of quality aerobic exercises designed to get your blood pumping and make you feel good. Like:
- Brisk walking
- Jogging or running
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Dancing
- Boxing
- HIIT workouts
Yoga Brings Balance and Reduces Stress
A common form of exercise that people participate in to reduce mental pressure is yoga. It consists of slow, deliberate movement with breathing exercises that help you lower the effects of stressful situations. There are many forms of yoga you can partake in, like Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and Bikram Yoga; all of which are designed to bring balance to your physical and mental health.
Take a Hike or a Stroll Along a Beach
While not necessarily an exercise, having a comfortable setting to walk at can significantly reduce one’s stress levels. According to a study from Basel, visiting green spaces and being exposed to natural environments can seriously reduce mental pressure. When you combine this with your cardio or yoga, you will definitely feel the difference.
Tai Chi Combines Martial Arts and Stress Reduction
Often called “meditation in motion,” tai chi promotes a focus on the present – a mental absorption in which everyday worries fall away. Additionally, it increases flexibility and boosts energy, resulting in an improved sense of wellbeing.
It’s similar to yoga in the sense that there are several styles of intensity, but unlike yoga, there are no pauses between poses. Tai chi consists of more than 100 gentle, fluid movements that are linked with each other and your breath.
Strengthen Muscles and Reduce Stress with Pilates
Pilates is designed to build strength in muscles and improve posture and flexibility. It also has strong potential in improving our mental awareness. Pilates is known to help relieve stress and anxiety symptoms by releasing tension in the muscles through breathing techniques to provide more oxygen to the brain.
Reduce Stress. Get Healthy. Join NeuroForce1’s Training Programs
NeuroForce1 is one of the Valley’s top training facilities that helps optimize the health of our members. We work closely with each one to help them understand their body and build a regimen plan that brings their health to a new level. Not only does our program enhance the physical capabilities of your body, but it can also reduce your stress level; resulting in greater physical AND mental health. Visit our training page and learn more about what we offer.
