Trying to balance training load and life load can be difficult. Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy looks into ways to change this.
How to Modify Training Load When Life Load / Stress Increases
Stress or anxiety can sometimes get the best of us and can have a significant impact on our ability to cope. Whether is’s work, family, or other stress, it can sometimes be inevitable. There are many different resources that are available that can help manage and reduce the impact that stress and anxiety has on our lives.
Exercise and Managing Stress
Exercise has been shown to have a positive influence on several lifestyle factors. These include managing stress, reducing emotional exhaustion, improving perceived personal achievement and reducing feelings of burnout. Studies show that high-intensity aerobic exercise and low intensity exercise reduces levels of stress and depression. Yes, exercise does create another stress on our body, but it’s a good type of stress!
The Stress Spectrum
Imagine Goldy Locks and the three bears. There are 3 bowls of porridge. A bowl of porridge that’s too cold, the bowl of porridge that’s too hot and a bowl that is a perfect balance of the two. Exercise and managing stress is very much the same.
During times of high-level stress, there are two types of people; 1) those who stop exercise completely and 2) those who exercise at very high levels in order to manage stress. What we really need here is a fine balance between the two.
A few simple tips to help modify your routine to better manage stress:
Choose Something Enjoyable
Exercise preference is different for everyone. Whether it’s walking, running, cycling or weight-training, choose the form of exercise that you will ENJOY and simply get SOME exercise done without going overboard.
Micro-dose Your Training
When completing your training program at the gym or at home, consider smaller dosage. Rather than performing a large number of exercises in a single session, choose 2-3 exercises that target large muscle groups i.e., squats, push-ups, chin ups. This will look to reduce the total time spent training and reduce the amount of volume being placed on the body!
Money in The Bank is Better Than Being in Debt
Just because you have plenty of energy to withdraw or expend doesn’t mean you should! Keep some energy in the tank. The energy that is left over can be used in other day to day activities in life.
When it comes to managing your training routine and the stressors in your life, there’s no recipe or quick fix. We are all individual. What works one person may not work for another. By seeking out professional advice and having a conversation with an exercise professional, your ability to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle can be improved.
To get advice for creating an exercise plan that is right for you, call your local Newmarket physiotherapist on 07 3352 5116 or book online to book an appointment with our Exercise Physiologists.