Exercise to relieve stress?

Does anyone exercise mainly to relieve stress, with getting fit just being a nice side benefit? I know everyone doesn’t work out to lose weight. Some people just like walking to get out in the fresh air, or they like hiking because they feel closer to nature.

I have a “challenging” 4 year-old who’s home with me all day and when I can get out (without him, lol) and walk, I feel so much better when I come back. Walking has become a great stress reliever for me when I’ve had a hard day with him or anytime I need to get out and clear my head.

I have been exercising to lose weight, but I’m finding it so relaxing that I plan to continue even after I reach goal. I feel like exercise cleanses my mind and my spirit, as cheesy as that sounds. I’ll have to tweak the program (because I’m using a weight loss exercise program), but I’m going to incorporate some form of exercise in my life… forever.

Hmm, I wish that were the case for me. Just thinking about exercise stresses me out. I don’t “mind” walking or pilates, but there really isn’t any exercise I enjoy.

I do enjoy the exercise, especially the way I feel after working out, but I still have to really push myself to workout sometimes. How crazy is that? The trick for me is to just keep it on the schedule. If I block out time for it, it’s easier for me. Otherwise, I’ll fill up that time and end up forgetting or getting too busy.

Oprah was talking about this on her show the other day. I don’t know a single person who likes working out, but they do like how they feel afterwards. I’m sure there’s someone out there who just loves to exercise (not me!), but for most of us, it’s not our favorite thing. We just like what it does to our bodies.

It’s funny that I found this thread…I participated in a 30-day health coaching series.  Each week I’d report in to the coach that I hadn’t exercised.  She finally said to me, “Jeanne, do you realize that those half hour walks with the dog count as exercise? How about the hike you take with her in the woods every evening?” It’s true - I actually walk about an hour a day! I just didn’t think of it as ‘exercise’ even though the hike through the woods leaves me huffing and puffing (our farm has a lot of hills).  I just always think of exercise as leotards, tights, a gym and loud music.  You know what I mean?

Thankfully, all exercise doesn’t require leotards, Jeanne! It’s funny that you didn’t even realize you were getting exercise in, but that’s great. If it doesn’t feel so much like “work,” you enjoy it much more. Not only is it bonding time with your dog, but it’s exercise for the both of you.

Leotards Del? Perish the thought! Haven’t stuffed myself into those and treked off to a gym in years (thank you God).

Seriously though, for stress relief I’m adding weight training. I have weights and a little chart of exercises to do in my office. Now when the computer is churning away at a task and I have a few free minutes, I lift some weights. Stealth exercise!

Hi Jeanne,

What a good idea.  I keep thinking of better ways to organize my office and I think adding my exercise ball and arm band would be a great addition.  That way I will also look at them and it will encourage me to use them more.  Great idea!!

Ya exercise is good for health.I have done exercise very morning.I will take relief and fresh mind.