Enjoy the Journey
Originally published July 10, 2006
Getting fit and staying fit is a journey, a bumpy one at times. How you navigate around the potholes and obstacles is a huge determining factor in whether you will reach your destination. Stress impairs the body's ability to lose weight and can easily put pounds on. I have worked with many people who complain that their exercise and diet regiment hasn't changed, but they still gained weight. My first question is, “What else has changed then?”. A death in the family, relationship problems, family crises, career changes or other major life stresses have often occurred within the past year. It's not always that easy to pinpoint. Subtleties such as a milestone birthday, money woes, child rearing disagreements or minor schedule changes at work can cause stress to unknowingly accumulate and fester within the body.
Simply stated, stress inhibits fat loss. Too much Cortisol, the stress hormone, will lock up fat cells and prevent fat from being burned. Plus, being a hormone, overproduction often influences other important functions of the body affecting just about everything from our digestive and reproductive system to mood and coordination. Emotional turmoil will put a halt on any fitness, sport performance, weight loss or wellness goals. Even the best exercise and nutrition program will be ineffective with too much stress in the way.
The good news is that we have complete control over how we handle stress. Also, stressors pass with time and every obstacle overcome better prepares us to handle the next one. It's like weight training – “progressive resistance”. The biggest challenge is to consider and accept that emotional stress can be the root cause of many physical ailments. Build a tool belt of effective stress busting techniques - from golf to Gregorian chant, jogging to journaling - and find what works for you through experimentation. Write daily, weekly and monthly methods right into your schedule like 15 minutes of peace and quiet, an hour massage or a weekend away. Then you can begin to enjoy the journey (and perhaps lose those last 10 pounds).
DE Coaching Team
Krista Schaus PICP CPT
Ontario CANADA
krista@definingedge.ca
Kate Kline PICP CFT
Arizona USA
kate@definingedge.ca
DE Client Services
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Where you can find the Defining Edge team or athletes
- Janary 2010 - Strength & Beauty "Next Level" (Milton, ON)
- January 2010 - Ontario Powerlifting Provincials (St. Catharines, ON)
- March 2010 - Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Championship (Columbus, OH)
- April 2010 - Canadian Powerlifting Nationals (Quebec City, QU)
- April 2010 - CFBB Canadian Natural Physique Championships (Laval, QU)