@ThatPaul: Fitness & Combating Stress

My fitness goals have always been a little different than most. Before joining the military, I weighed about 115 pounds and had a hard time keeping up with the physical demands of basic training. As training proceeded I noticed that I actually looked forward to the fitness training. At first I was convinced it was because it was my escape from the crazy Drill Instructors. Now, I know that was only part of it.

I have continued to try to make a workout routine part of my regular schedule. If you are like many, life gets busy and it becomes a challenge to make time to get in some regular exercise. As I may be bogged down by weekly tasks I often have to remind myself how great I feel afterwards. There are several obvious benefits to maintaining a healthy lifestyle but practicing regular fitness can help you fight stress.

When you work out, your brain functions at a more rapid pace. Blood is sent to your head, stimulating the brain, which can partially explain the inability to sleep immediately after a workout. Waste products are moved more quickly through your body, which helps antioxidants do their work. Additionally endorphins, or the chemical that makes you feel happy, are increased and released into your blood stream during exercise.

Knowing this, you are able to leverage you body’s state by doing some things that are productive after the work out. Plan your day, knock out some emails, write a blog post or just take some time to relax. I work out for the feeling I get after a great day at the gym.  As they taught us in the military, the only limit to what your body can achieve is in your mind. I can tell you that you can do great things if you are able to understand how fitness affects you, your mood and your body.

I am gracious for the opportunity to take part in Fittest Tweeter, not only because it provides me the ability to get into the shape that I was years ago but, for the support and camaraderie. I know that Fitness Tweeter will help use all in different ways. Ultimately we will all be in better shape because of it!

~ @ThatPaul