Tranier Notes: Week 3

Unfortunately stress is a common theme in many peoples' daily routines. Between raising two small boys, the constant demand of work and working out five times a week, Steve definitely has his fair share of stress. Stress can have undesirable effects on our bodies, such as increased muscular tension, elevated blood pressure and lowered immune system defenses; all putting us at risk for illness and disease later in life. As Steve is beginning to see, exercise is a great way to relieve some of the day's stress. Exercise is a useful tool for everyone to use in order to reduce their stress levels. To make your workout as effective as possible at eradicating stress, choose a workout that fits your mood and abilities. If it was a particularly frustrating day try boxing to take out some of the pent up aggression from the follies of the day. If you feel overwhelmed by your seemingly endless "to-do" list try an activity that will help you clear your mind and focus on the present. Yoga is a great option to slow down the rapid fire thoughts of the day and reduce stress. Here are some other good ideas to help reduce stress during a workout;

-Work out with a friend, sometimes having someone to talk to makes all the difference
-Try changing it up a bit. Working with a trainer or taking a group class can keep your workout new and exciting. Plus, it is one less thing you will have to worry about yourself.