We all know that Christmas time is when we tend to over eat, stress and become inactive a little more than usual.
So why not beat it this year by getting the endorphin rush?
Most people understand that a benefit of exercise is a way to enhance our physical condition and combat disease, but it hasn’t been until more recently that exercise is also being recognized as an element in maintaining mental health. Studies have shown that exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which can cause us to have what we commonly know as a “natural high”.
Endorphins are chemicals in the brain, which bind to neuro – receptors to give relief from pain. It’s believed to relieve pain, enhance the immune system, reduce stress and delay the aging process.
Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, sending these chemicals through the body. Endorphin release varies from person to person.
This is how you can “feel the endorphin rush”.
There are several different workouts specifically designed to trigger hormone release in your body.
1. TREADMILL
Perform a 5 minute warm- up at a comfortable speed. Then, every 3 minutes, increase both speed and grade.
OR
2. BENCH PRESS
Grip the bar with a slightly wider than shoulder grip. Perform 10 reps with the heaviest weight you can manage. If you still insist on doing full range movements, go ahead. More weight = more endorphins. Rest for 15 seconds and perform a second set to failure.
OR
3. LEG PRESS
Load a leg press with the maximum weight you can handle for 10 reps. Rest for 15 seconds, than perform a second set to failure. Rest for another 15 seconds, than perform a third set to failure.
30 to 60 minutes after you complete your workout you will feel a mild sense of euphoria and a higher energy level. You will also likely sleep better and feel more energetic the next day.
So try adding these exercises to your normal routine when it gets a bit stressful through Christmas. It will be like killing 2 birds with one stone, exercising feeling less stress at the same time.
No comments:
Post a Comment