We all face stress every day, in both our personal and professional lives. How we deal with that stress determines the effect it has on our bodies. The natural response for some people is to stop all healthy activities and indulge in unhealthy ones. Is that you? Do you find yourself settling for artery-clogging fast food? Do you skip meals? Do you retreat back to sweets and soft drinks instead of a well-prepared snack and water? It’s easy to go into survival mode and give up that which keeps us healthy: three of which are eating frequent meals, getting enough sleep and exercising.

While all of these can be taken to an extreme, a concentrated focus on each of them can ensure an excellent defense to stress. Obviously, eating and sleeping are important, as they provide us with necessary rest and nourishment. A smart eating plan of small, frequent meals and a good night’s rest will always work to maintain a healthy body. Too many, though, discount the importance of exercise.

Movement, whether it is in an organized exercise routine, or in a random activity like running or playing basketball, will bring on physical exertion and restored mental freedom. That therapeutic expenditure of energy accomplishes many of the same results as prescription drugs but without the side effects.

Also, what should not be omitted is the momentum and encouragement we receive from the results of physical activity. With proper instruction on resistance training and cardiovascular training, we stressed-out individuals can obtain large amounts of fat loss, lean muscle gain, and reduction in lower back injury, thereby exponentially creating a sense of accomplishment along with a healthier body.

How do we begin this process? Start by allotting time every day for exercise. Dedicate 30 or 40 minutes three days a week to walking or jogging (lightly) and two days to resistance training. If unsure about resistance training, a LEAN personal trainer can help get started with a program to ensure fat loss and lean muscle gain.

Commit to working out and watch the stress dissipate!

Jeff Howerton is a trainer and owner of LEAN personal training, where he and his trainers work with clients to lose fat, develop lean muscle and implement strategies for healthier living. LEAN (615) 279-1900 or jeff@leannashville.com.

New personal trainer at LEAN offers complimentary session

Adrian Pentecost, Australian Certified Personal Trainer from Sydney, Australia, is new to Nashville and to LEAN Personal Training. He is interested in helping new clients improve their fitness and wellbeing and specializes in areas such as: core strength, flexibility, weight loss, toning, sports conditioning, lower back problems and other injury related rehabilitation.

Pentecost has traveled extensively and trained in Australia, England and the United States throughout the past six years. He would like to use this experience to help modify your lifestyle and improve your overall wellbeing. As a result, he is offering a complimentary personal training session, so give him a call at (615) 279-1900 to schedule your free session.