Top 5 Exercise Activities To Combat Stress
Most of us know that exercise is the best way to combat stress; helping us to boost endorphin levels and calm our minds. Exercise trains your body to be flexible and strong and teaches your mind to cope with stress better. Some exercise activities are more beneficial than others to reduce stress, so which are the best activities for relaxation?
1. Pilates
Pilates is a type of low-impact exercise, it’s useful to strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility and perfect posture. Most of the poses in pilates aim to improve core strength; throughout a class you’ll perform slow movements, combined with breath control. One of the main benefits of pilates is that you’ll get yourself a full body work out. Movements are low-impact, sometimes slow, but highly effective to de-stress and tone your body. If you practice high- impact sporting activities Pilates is a great way to balance out any pressure on your joints.
Many people don't realize that Pilates is a very physically demanding form of exercise. But while the poses are challenging and strenuous, it also lets you focus on your breathing. By learning proper breathing techniques and relaxation during your session at Pilates classes such as Pilates STL, you can greatly reduce your stress levels. As your body becomes less stressed, your metabolism increases naturally. When your metabolism increases, your body's natural energy level increases, thus, allowing you to do more physical activities for longer periods.
There are also machines and pieces of equipment that can help you on your pilates journey. The Elina reformer, for example, can really help you stretch and loosen your muscles as you run through various pilates workouts. This will help you increase your metabolism even further!
2. Ballet Barre
Perhaps you’ve seen ‘Ballet Barre’ classes listed at your local gym and were wondering what it’s all about? Well, a Ballet Barre class is a fun-filled combo of pilates, yoga and ballet dance moves. During the class you’ll stand at a ballet bar, performing a series of stretches and postures. Each movement is designed to condition, tone and build your strength. You’ll learn about a new type of exercise, reduce your stress levels and improve your physical health.
3. SUP
SUP refers to ‘stand up paddleboarding’, the sport is fairly similar to surfing, apart from you use a paddle to glide across the water. Those keen to take up this sport with their own equipment can take a look at this handy guide to see which board is best for them - https://www.lux-review.com/find-out-which-type-of-sup-board-is-right-for-you-using-this-helpful-guide/. Typically SUP is practiced on still waters, so you don’t have to worry about balancing on the board while there are huge waves! By practicing SUP you can build your core and get a full body workout. Exercising on the water adds a therapeutic quality, allowing you to access deeper levels of relaxation. Physical activity is the best way to improve your wellbeing, for more information check out 4 Ways Exercise Improves Mental Health.
4 . Yoga
Yoga is a superb exercise activity to combat stress and improve your physical fitness. It’s an ancient practice which focuses on breathing, flexibility and strength. A series of poses, stretches and balances are performed in sequence. Meditation elements are used to flow from one posture to the next. The health benefits of yoga include toning your body, becoming more flexible and easing pressure on your joints. Breathing exercises can be very helpful when it comes to fighting off stress and anxiety because they strengthen your diaphragm and lungs at the same time. They have also been proven to reduce stress and tension, doing wonders for your body.
Yoga is highly effective to reduce stress and promote a better night’s sleep. To get started on your yoga journey try taking a Hatha class; these classes are gentle and rely on the basic poses. Studies suggest that people who practice yoga and mindfulness are happier than those who don't. They also gain more insight and patience and are generally more focused.
5. Hiking
Exercises not only make you fit and healthy, but are also a great way to cope with stress. Staying active trains your body and mind to be strong. This is the reason some of the most popular exercise routines today often include activities such as running, walking, hiking, or swimming. Hiking is one of the best exercises you can do to release stress, being outdoors allows you to connect with nature, improve your mood and elevate your wellbeing. To support your hiking experiences check out the app ‘All Trails’. Using the app you can search for curated trails including GPS trail maps, offline maps and topo maps. Whether you’re looking for a dog friendly hike or a trail run, the app has plenty of ideas! You can also look up hiking trails richmond va, or whever you live, to find the best views and trails.
Takeaway
Are you looking for exercises to combat stress? There are several exercises you can do to combat stress and get in better shape. Exercise, in any form, is always beneficial for the body. Whilst most gyms have now reopened there are still plenty of opportunities to practice online classes if you prefer. With the right exercise regime you’ll be well on your way to living a healthier lifestyle.
