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victoria@westphaltraining.com
(408) 891-2650

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San Jose, CA 95125

Member of American Council on Exercise.

Articles

Take a Step in the Right Direction

By Victoria Westphal

Stress relief is a big part of staying healthy. Keeping stress levels low helps create a balanced and strong immune system, plays a part in cardiovascular wellness and allows a person to look and feel vital and strong. Not to mention the amazing effect it has on balancing hormones and sugar levels.

The old mantra of "eat right, get plenty of sleep and exercise" is still some of the best, and most uncomplicated, advice a person can get in regards to keeping stress levels low. So why do so few heed its message?

Simply put, time pressure. How exactly is a person to exercise when they are stressed about even taking the time to think about how/when to exercise? It seems overwhelming and so it is set on the back burner until it becomes a fire needing to be put out.

In addressing the exercise part of keeping stress at bay, I'd like to offer up a suggestion for all of you who would like to feel better, be more sane and feel human again; go for a walk.
Don't even think about scheduling it in your already triple-booked calendar, or what to wear or if you need a heart rate monitor. Just stop what you're doing at some point, go outside, and walk.

Five minutes or fifty, it doesn't matter. High heals (hey, city girls do it all the time) just-done hair and all. While you walk, breathe and while you breathe, look. Don't worry about how you are breathing or what you are looking at. Your body knows how. Don't answer the phone or text about your next appointment.
Smile at the people you walk by and look them in the eye when you do it.

When you get back, drink a nice cold glass of water, stick your belly out and stretch like when you were a kid.

If you hurt somewhere when you get back, you walked too much, shorten it up for a while. If it took the same amount of time you usually take to visit the rest room, you might want to go a little farther next time. But kudos for making the break!

There. You did it. You exercised. Your body thanks you and your mind can rest. Want even better results? Do it again tomorrow. Just don't start worrying about when that will be...

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Victoria Westphal is an on-site personal trainer and fitness consultant whose passion is helping people live happier and healthier lives through effective, safe and fun fitness training. To reach Victoria, visit her website at www.westphaltraining.com or email her at Victoria@westphaltraining.com

Making Time For Exercise (PDF)
Exercise and Stress Levels (PDF)

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