Avoid stress from working out

Under normal circumstances working out and exercising reduces stress and anxiety for people, but it can actually lead to physical stress when it’s done improperly. One such example is when a person fails to stretch and start out with a lighter load before moving on to more difficult workouts, which places a great deal of strain on the body. That unhealthy strain leads to physical stress and increases the potential for injury, such as a sprain or muscle tear.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your workout and keep it stress-free:

Always make time for warm-up and cool-down periods

Each time you exercise, you should start with a warm up period and end with a cool down period as you’re finishing up. A warm up will help your body get ready by gradually increasing your heart rate and loosening up your muscles and joints.

Some good ways to warm up include:

• Riding an exercise bike
• Using a jump rope
• Jogging in place for 5-10 minutes

A cool down period while wrapping up your workout is important as it allows you to slowly bring your heart rate back to normal. Walking for 5 to 10 minutes after you work out is a good way to cool down safely.

Don’t forget to stretch

Dynamic stretching before and after you workout increases your flexibility and it also helps to prevent injury, particularly sprains and muscle tears. It’s best to stretch both after you warm up and cool down.

Ease yourself into the routine

When you first begin a new exercise routine or start the latest workout program, move into it a bit more slowly. Once your body starts getting adjusted to the program, gradually build up the frequency, duration, and intensity. As your abilities increase, you will also be able to challenge yourself more.

Cross-train, vary your workout

When you use this approach you won’t overuse just one set of muscles. Repeating the same muscle movements too frequently can lead to physical stress and injuries.

Hydrate and fuel up

Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after you work out. You can get off to a good start by drinking about 20 ounces of water 3 hours before exercising. After finishing your workout, eat a healthy carb and protein snack to help replenish your energy levels.

Rest your body and pace yourself

Take 1 or 2 days off a week to rest. Rest days give your body a chance to recover between workouts, which can help prevent physical stress and injuries. Also, don’t push yourself to the point of pain. If you are feeling pain, you may be stressing your body out too much. Stop your workout right away, then rest for a day before starting again.

In addition to keeping these tips in mind while exercising, try to combine a healthy and nutritious diet into your lifestyle. A mindful approach to managing physical stress combined with corrective chiropractic care is the best way to prevent serious issues due to long-term stress from taking root in your life. Contact us today; we are here to help you!