Exercise Tip to Reduce Stress
The therapeutic benefits of regular exercise are well documented. Study after study has shown that it increases health and general well being. It's been said that if exercise were a drug, it would be the most powerful medication on earth. However, it still seems difficult to get people to workout on a regular basis. When life gets hectic, it's generally the first thing that gets crossed off the "to do" list. In reality, it should be the last.
Often times, my clients say they are too stressed to find time to work out, however the fact is, they are probably too stressed not to work out. Exercise releases hormones into the body that allow people to bring balance into their lives and focus better on everything they do. It is the natural remedy that brings the body into homeostasis in a hectic world that constantly threatens to throw us out of that balance.
Here is an example of an exercise to help reduce stress by reducing the tension in the shoulders.
Shoulder Shrug
Targeted Muscles: Trapezius, rhomboids, levator scapula
Starting Position: Stand erect with dumbbells held at the sides of the body.
Starting Demo by Steve
Action: Lift the shoulders toward the head by elevating the shoulder girdle, and slightly retract the scapulae to rotate the shoulders back. Pause, then return to the starting position.
Finishing Demo by Steve
Common Errors:
Error: Rocking or using the legs to initiate the exercise
Correction: Maintain slightly bent knees.
Error: Rounding the shoulders forward while elevating them
Correction: Remain open through the anterior shoulders and chest by slightly retracting the scapulae.
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