Feeling frustrated that you’re not getting the results you want from your workouts? You’re not alone. As a busy parent, you’re juggling a million things, and it can be hard to find time for yourself. You might be tracking your steps, making it to the gym, and eating well, but still feel like you’re hitting a wall. A new study by Welltech suggests the real culprit might be something you deal with every single day: stress.
In the last year alone, millions of searches have been made by people looking for ways to manage stress, especially as it relates to physical fitness. David J. Sautter, a personal trainer and performance specialist, explains that your mental well-being is just as important as your physical activity.
So, how does stress mess with your workout goals?
When you’re stressed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. You can think of it as your body’s “fight-or-flight” alarm system. While it’s helpful in short bursts, constantly high levels of cortisol can cause all sorts of problems.
- Poor Sleep: Cortisol can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. And we all know how important a good night’s rest is for a busy parent! Lack of sleep means your body can’t properly repair your muscles after a workout, making it harder to see gains in strength and tone.
- Weight Gain: High cortisol levels are linked to storing fat, especially around the stomach. This can make it feel impossible to lose those stubborn inches, even if you’re exercising consistently.
- Less Motivation: When you’re emotionally drained, pushing through a tough workout feels like another chore. This can lead to a cycle of feeling bad about not exercising, which in turn causes more stress.
Instead of just pushing through when you’re feeling overwhelmed, the experts recommend a different approach: smarter training. This means listening to your body and adjusting your routine to what you need at that moment.
When you’re feeling high stress, Sautter suggests trying low-intensity exercises like:
- Zone 2 cardio (that’s exercise where you can still hold a conversation)
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Pilates
- Cycling
These types of workouts help calm your nervous system and shift your body from “fight-or-flight” mode to “rest-and-repair” mode. They can also boost your mood and manage cortisol levels, which helps with sleep.
To help people figure out the right balance, Welltech created a “sweat-stress ratio” tool. It helps you assess your stress and exercise levels to tailor a routine that works for your unique personality and needs.
The bottom line is that you can’t get rid of stress completely, but you can learn to manage it better. The key is to stop seeing exercise as just a way to burn calories. It’s also a powerful tool for your mental and emotional health. By focusing on “smarter training” that supports your body and mind, you’ll not only feel better but also start seeing those workout results you’ve been working so hard for.
