Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month, which reminds us of the importance of exercise when it comes to our mental health and wellbeing. We recently caught up with Gym Manager Rodney, who gave us some exercise related stress prevention tips!

1. Why is exercise important for not just our physical but also our mental health?

RK: Our lives are constantly changing and we are forever busy on our phones or behind a computer screen, so it’s important to take time for ourselves and switch off from life’s everyday stresses. Our bodies are designed to move and be challenged physically, but the majority of adults spend their waking hours sitting. It is vital that we put aside time to give our bodies and minds a chance to breathe.

2. How does exercise combat/reduce stress?

RK: When you exercise, the body releases endorphins, relaxing the muscles and relieving tension. Being active distracts your mind from everyday stresses by rechannelling that energy into a physical activity.

3. How do you find the best form of exercise for you?

RK: Any type of exercise will have the same result when it comes to reducing and managing stress. Everyone is different – some may find that mind & body classes help them to relax, whereas others may find high intensity workouts are best for releasing tension. My advice would be to try as many different classes and exercises as you can and just see what works for you. If you are new to exercise or just need some extra advice, that’s where our trainers come in.

4. How much exercise a week would you recommend to keep a healthy lifestyle?

RK: Three times a week for 30 – 60 minutes. If you can’t find the time to fit in a long session, split your exercises into short bursts. It’s all about quality rather than quantity!