Whether
coming from our jobs, personal life, incompetent drivers, or the
soaring gas prices stress seems to be all around us, bombarding us
with an over load that has us over worked, cranky, and restless. The
effects of prolonged stress on the human body can be devastating to
our health resulting in migraines, muscle aches, insomnia, digestive
problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, asthma, and
heart disease along with a wide range of other health problems.
Learning to effectively manage stress and adding regular exercise to
your routine is a valuable part of stress relief which is vital to
good health. But do not worry, you do not have to make time to go to
the gym or worry if your fitness level is not up for that aerobic
work out, here are three of the best exercises for stress relief than
can be done by just about any one at any fitness level, of course as
always, before beginning any new exercise program you want to be sure
that your health care provider has cleared you for exercise if you
have any recent injuries or health care concerns.
Tai
Chi:
Tai
Chi is an ancient martial art form. This Chinese art has been
practiced for centuries and is a perfect exercise for stress relief.
Tai Chi uses very fluid and graceful movements that are slow and
precise, focusing the mind and strengthening the body. It can be
done just about anywhere by people of all ages and is fairly simple
to learn. People who practice Tai Chi experience a better sense of
balance, over all improvement in health, sleep better, and feel a
since of clarity and improved mental focus along with the stress
relief.
Pilates:
Pilates
was originally developed as a method of rehabilitation for injured
dancers and soldiers. Incorporating simple moves similar to yoga in
parts, pilates stretches and lengthens your
muscles, improves the
strength and stability of your core (the torso), and is also very
calming and soothing making it a great choice for stress relief.
Stress relief is not the only benefit of pilates, you also get a
longer, stronger spine, better posture, more graceful muscle tone,
and stronger abs. And because a large portion of pilates can be done
as a mat work out, it is great for people with special needs to
consider that may make traditional exercise more difficult.
Water
Aerobics:
If
you would like something to get your heart beat going and improve
your over all tone and health, along with giving you stress relief,
water aerobics is another great choice. Unlike traditional aerobic
classes, being in the water lessens the impact of the movements on
your
joints, legs, and spine. Being in the water makes your motions
effortless, yet the resistance of the water provides a better,
stronger work out. The calming sensation of being in the water
offers great stress relief and gives you a wonderful work out for
your muscles, weight loss, and cardio building along with the stress
relief.
Whichever
routine you choose, or perhaps some combination of the three, you
will find great stress relief from starting a regular routine and the
stress relief will only enhance the other great health benefits you
will obtain.
Check with your local Parks and Recreation, Gyms, YMCA, YWCA for classes.
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