So you push yourself relentlessly in the gym, have a huge amount of self discipline and yet you're still not seeing the results you would like?
This happens to a lot of city professionals who work hard and play hard too. It's a commonly held belief that slogging your guts out on the treadmill or in a spinning class for 60 minutes after a hard day in the office is a great stress buster. Perhaps you will have freed yourself of some negative emotions but physically it isn't the case at all.
Exercise is also a stress on the body. During exercise, particularly cardio work, the body releases a stress hormone called cortisol. The more intense the exercise the more cortisol is released. Cortisol contributes to fat accumulation. This is bad news if you run on adrenalin all day and don't schedule any downtime into your week.
So am I saying you'll lose weight if you pack in your gym membership and hit the bars instead? I'm afraid not!
I'm saying you will lose weight more quickly if you balance your overall health regime to help counteract a stressful day or week at work.
Here are 5 Things You Can Do To Relax and Lose Weight:
- For every hard, intense workout you complete follow it up with two easy days in the gym. This might include some stretching, yoga or some easy cycling.
- Get plenty of sleep. Your body needs to recover for the next day. Make an effort to be in bed by 10:15pm and ensure that your bedroom is as dark as possible.
- Eat natural wholefoods with plenty of healthy fats such as fish oil which will keep your cortisol levels in check. It's best to avoid processed foods such as bread, cereal and pasta that release insulin which can also contribute to fat accumulation.
- Do some deep breathing to relax. Take a deep breath through your nose, filling up your abdomen. Hold for four or five seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat 10-20 times before bed.
- Create your own relaxing routine at home. Dim the lights and use some candles instead. Try a warm bath before bed.
If you live in a big city, work long hours and have a stressful commute then sleep and rest are just as important as exercise and diet. My 5 tips are part of a holistic and effective approach towards helping you lose weight and feeling your best.
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