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Story by Meredith Nelson / December 8, 2016
Skipping the Gym Because You’re Stressed?
NOT a good idea!
Here I sit. All alone in the gym. It’s a Wednesday, usually one of the busier days of the week. But today? The only ones who made an appearance, save a few diligent souls that I can count on one hand, are those who actually scheduled a workout with a trainer. The usual folks who workout on their own – with no appointment, no one waiting for them to show up, no reservation for a Group Workout? Nope – they aren’t here.
It just so happens that today is also the day following the 2016 Presidential elections. Perhaps there were a few voter return parties that kept you up too late, or maybe you are at home contemplating the fate of our country during the next four years. Either way, I do believe that this Election Day had an unusual effect on many people’s workout routine on November 9, and may have prevented you from getting in your daily dose of fitness as well. Whether it’s because your candidate didn’t win and you are worried about the fate of the grand ol’ US of A, or perhaps the presidential election didn’t cause you to worry nearly as much as who is representing us in Washington, or maybe you just tuned out of the political atmosphere altogether and the thought of spending the next six weeks listening to Christmas music is what stresses you out the most . . . regardless of the reason, the next few weeks will be trying ones for many of us. Well, guess what – now is NOT the time to neglect your workouts!
My dear fitness enthusiasts, I hate to tell you, but recent research shows that skipping your workout because you are stressed is NOT a good idea! According to a recent study, feeling overwhelmed doesn’t just affect your mental state—it stresses out your body too, increasing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and possibly even your cholesterol. Working out actually helps boost your mood and lessens these cardiovascular risks. So even though most of us workout less when our brains are fried, those are actually the times we most need to get some exercise!
Bottom line? I’ll spare you the research jargon. Higher LDL (the bad cholesterol), total cholesterol, and total metabolic risk factors (high blood sugar, blood pressure, etc) were found in study participants with high stress scores. Better cardio-respiratory fitness may provide some protection against these effects of high chronic stress.
So – even though most of us seem to workout less when we’re feeling overwhelmed, those are the very times we need to hit the gym the most!
I worked out with Meredith for years before she (sadly) moved away. She is creative, fun, and great at correcting your form. She can adapt to injuries you might have. She will incorporate things you like (yoga) and can work with all types of exercise equipment from machines to bands to TRX to free weights to your body weight. No two workouts are the same, which means you do not get bored and you want to keep coming back!
Meredith first sought to truly understand my fitness goals and then observed my current weight-training routine. She then helped me organize a workout plan that gave me better results, in the same amount of time. Now I have a more balanced routine that is producing better results, in the same amount of time, with the same amount of effort. She always had my work within my comfort level and has helped me develop a more balanced program that maximizes the results.
I found my happy place at home with Meredith and Primetime Fitness. I started virtual training with Meredith at the beginning of Covid and now virtual training is part of my weekly routine. What a joy to get a great workout and not have to leave the house! Thanks, Meredith!
I’ve been taking Meredith’s classes for a few short months and also doing some training sessions with her, and it has already made me stronger. I love that she offers lower-impact options (for this 58-year-old) and also motivates all of us during class!
I was recently diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic. I had worked out with Meredith once before, but at the time, I just wasn’t dedicated to a routine. As soon as I was diagnosed, I shot her a quick email, and she immediately responded. We met and discussed diet and exercise; she was a wealth of information. I started working out with her and figuring out what routine spoke best to me. She helped me set up a Peloton bike and monitored my form. Hey, if this 65-year-old woman can get in shape, anyone can. I’m 15 pounds down and on the right track. Thanks, Meredith!