stress Archives - Zero Gravity Fitness

Working out for Stress Relief

on September 21, 2015

We all know that exercise is good for your body but did you also know that engaging in physical activity is also one of the best ways to beat stress? Even in short increments, you can improve your mood and alleviate stress through exercise. Mental anxiety and worry can lead to many health risks including high blood pressure and heart disease. Regular physical movement can help to diminish the tension, anger, depression and anxiety that can exacerbate stress. There are numerous benefits of working out for stress relief and to enhance your quality of life.

How Exercise Lowers Stress

Physical activity increases the flow of oxygen throughout the body. This influx of oxygen increases the endorphins produced in your brain. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are responsible for the euphoric feeling often known as “runner’s high” that can come from vigorous exercise. Another way that exercise can improve your emotional health is through the physical motion itself. Repetitive movements in the body when exercising can act in much the same way that meditation does in terms of inducing a renewed sense of energy, focus, and calm.

That feeling of satisfaction you may get immediately following an exercise routine alongside a new and improved mood can cumulate over time. Your body and mind will begin to respond favorably, leading to more regular periods of relaxed mood.

Additional Benefits of Working Out

A regular exercise routine can strengthen your body’s immunity, leading to fewer physical ailments. It also lowers blood pressure and gives a boost to the good cholesterol levels your body needs. Increased blood circulation occurs through a regular exercise routine, lessening your risk for heart disease. Also, you’ll feel more energetic and able to accomplish daily tasks more easily. One of the most welcome benefits of working out is weight loss and improved muscle tone. These body changes dramatically decrease your susceptibility to many health problems and can also add to improved self-image.

Exercise Recommendations

Thirty minutes of moderate activity five days a week is often recommended for maintaining physical and emotional health. Even three ten-minute increments will do if you are pressed for time. Engaging in an activity with a partner can make your routine even more fun, adding to the stress-reducing benefits. If you’re not used to exercising, start slowly with only three days a week at twenty minutes at a time. This is a much healthier way to build up your stamina.

You don’t have to feel intimidated if you’re new to working out. There’s no need to be a marathon runner or pro athlete to gain the stress relief of exercising. Choose an exercise that you enjoy. Even brisk walking will do. Swimming, biking, yoga and martial arts are all examples of things you can do to gain the stress-reducing benefits of physical activity.

Focus on the fun aspects of working out, and you’ll be more likely to continue your routine. Always check with your physician before beginning any new forms of exercise.

Zero Gravity Fitness provides personal and group training so you can stay in shape and relieve that stress with a nice workout. Our trainers will be able to see what works for you and what doesn’t. We offer sport specific, yoga, Pilates, and much more. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns or if you are interested in staying in shape.

How Exercise Helps Fight Stress

on February 16, 2015

Stress has been linked to illnesses and a range of other health conditions. It has been proven to accelerate the aging process and can affect a person’s overall mental health. Research shows that exercise can be beneficial to those prone to stress.

If you’re feeling the burden of stress, come to Zero Gravity Fitness in Orlando, and our team of personal trainers will help you exercise your stress away. We offer a variety of services and classes from personal training and Pilates to group fitness and body shock training. Contact Zero Gravity Fitness today to schedule your next session.

Exercise helps restructure the brain

Physical activity has been shown to control the body’s response to stress in a way that reduces anxiety. Researchers at Princeton University published their findings in the Journal of Neuroscience. The mice were exposed to cold water as a part of the study. Physical activity reorganizes the brain so that its response to stress is reduced and anxiety is less likely to interfere with normal brain function, according to a research team based at Princeton University. Since the mice were permitted to exercise regularly, the anxiety levels were better controlled when an event occurred causing a spike in neuronal activity.

Exercise as a coping mechanism for anxiety

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Public Health studied the impact of moderate exercise on the body’s capacity to manage anxiety levels over a prolonged period of time. Researchers discovered that exercise can help counter the effects of stress for a longer period of time in addition to reducing anxiety in the immediate future. In the study, some participants rested for 30 minutes while others participated in moderate cycling. Their anxiety levels were measured before and after the session. All were exposed to photographs and their anxiety levels were evaluated. Those who simply rested saw their anxiety levels increase while others who had exercised exhibited better control over their anxiety systems as time wore on.

How exercises reduces impact of stress on the heart

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that those diagnosed with heart disease in the past showed improvements in blood vessel dilation. In a group of 134 men and women between 40 and 84, medical care was provided. Some patients were assigned an aerobic exercise program while others attended a stress management class. One group only received medical care. Those who received only medical care showed the least improvement in their heart disease markers while those were required to attend a class or take a stress management showed better improvement.

Exercise dramatically improves the body’s overall response to stressors. Exercise reorganizes the brain. It also acts as a coping mechanism for anxiety. Exercise also improves the heart’s response to stress. It appears that exercise is essential to controlling stress levels and enhances the body’s capacity to respond appropriately to stressors.