Managing Economic Stress through Exercise

Due to the increased stress concerning recent economic turmoil, many individuals are turning to exercise as a way to relieve tension.  During this time, a regular exercise program is more vital than ever in helping a number of things that improve life productivity. These include increased energy, better sleep patterns, and reduced stress. All of these allow you to be more productive in your work and play. Physical activity also reduces the risk of depression, increases your self-confidence and in general helps improve your mental state.

NASA found that participants who engaged in a regular exercise program had improved stamina, work performance, enhanced concentration and decision-making powers. When compared to the average office worker whose efficiency decreases 50% for the final 2 hours of a working day, the employees who exercised regularly worked at full efficiency all day. This amounted to a 12.5% increase in overall productivity for the company.

A personal fitness regimen keeps you alert and relieves stress. You will feel good and sleep better too.  Any edge that you can give yourself with the current unstable economy is very much to your advantage. 

This is a time to stop making excuses about not having enough time.  You must decide to make exercise a priority in your life and make the time for it as the known benefits will definitely flow into other areas of your life.  Working with a personal trainer may be the boost that you need to make it happen!

The top 6 questions about fitness

With so much health and fitness information coming from so many different sources, it's no wonder people are confused.  What does it take to get fit? Will crunches get rid of my spare tire? What's the best way to lose weight? These are the types of questions ACE-certified Fitness Professionals hear on a daily basis.

Here are their top six responses.

1. Women who lift weights will get bulky muscles.

2. Spot reducing is possible.

3. No pain, no gain.

4. Exercise requires a hefty time commitment.

5. If you exercise, you can eat whatever you want.

6. There's a magic bullet (quick fix) out there somewhere.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Research shows that a vast majority (something like 98% of women) don't have the appropriate amount of hormones to gain a significant amount of bulk.

2. Spot reducing is NOT possible.  You can do all of the crunches in the world and may not see a reduction in the abdominal area.  Your body chooses the order in which it loses weight and it is quite often the reverse order in which you gained it.  You simply need to create a caloric deficit with a combination of strength training and cardiovascular training.

3. You don't have to have DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) after every session.  Depending upon the training cycle you are in, the soreness will vary, but you are still getting benefit from those non-sore days.

4. Think about how many hours are in a week- 168.  Do you think that out of 168 you could spare a measly 7?  That is probably all you need.  One hour per day of the week.  Don't make the excuse of no time.  Make your exercise program a priority and it will find the time.

5. You cannot eat whatever you want just because you exercise.  Once again, the nutrition side of your program is just as important and a balance must be established.

6. Don't kid yourself on this one.  Everyone wants the easy way out.  Of course everything that tastes good is bad for you and exercise is hard work, but in today's society it is a necessity.  We're not farmers anymore!