I received a copy of the
canfitpro January/February 2017 magazine and I feel the need to share the article about stress and weight gain. According to CAMH (
2010 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) stress is "a response to environmental pressures or demands, in particular when we feel that they are a threat our coping strategies or well-being. Stress is a normal response to situations where we perceive a threat or danger. When this happens, our built-in alarm system - the "fight-or-flight" response - becomes activated to protect us." A certain amount of stress is a normal part of our daily lives. The article in
canfitpro discusses working out, weight management and the importance to understand how mental health affects your weight. Key findings from the article include:
- Hormones combat distress (negative stress). These hormones give you greater energy and strength when you are exercising. During the recovery phase of the workout your body naturally lowers this hormonal level. At this point two negative side effects occur which are increased release of insulin into the blood stream and increased fat storage
- Our bodies store fat in places we can easily access it when we need it - this is why you need to spend time practice calming exercises in combination with the more physically challenging exercises
- Two of the suggested calming exercises in the article are the seated forward bend and wide-legged forward bend
Keep calm and never give up!
