Exercise is a form of stress and should be used with care. If we think of stress on a spectrum, many of us live on the far right in ‘high’ or ‘constant’ stress. We have jobs to commute to, co-workers to relate to, children, scheduling conflicts, traveling, family matters, and the ups and downs of our own health.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If we live in a state of chronic stress, intense exercise might be a poor choice. And yet, many of us pursue high stress exercise when we’re in high stress states. We become addicted to stress... stress breeds stress... until we hit a wall.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Just as stress does, exercise stress also lives on a spectrum - from a leisurely walk to extreme sports or a heavy lifting day. Choosing the right amount of exercise stress should go hand-in-hand with your current stress levels.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Choose low stress exercise when:
🔻 You’re low on sleep
🔻 You’re emotional
🔻 You’re under the weather (Rest is best)
🔻 You’re overwhelmed
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Choose higher stress exercise when:
🔺 You’re fully rested
🔺 You’re emotionally regulated
🔺 You’re physically healthy
🔺 You’re actively managing your stress
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
You are allowed to call an audible in your programming. Only slept 4 hours last night and have a heavy strength training day? Opt for an hour on the bike at a low intensity or a walk outside. Eat a nutritious dinner and get to bed early so you can strength train tomorrow.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Whether you’re a coach or you train on your own, you hold the power of giving out stress in the form of exercise. Use the power wisely.