I recently read a study about how athletes can now measure their stress level to prevent over-training using heart rate variability. The researcher noted that one man who was monitoring his stress level in this way discovered that his normal work day left him so stressed that according to this objective measurement he was never in a state of recovery. Then he went on a week vacation and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and three days later, still on vacation, he was completely recovered! Yes, we carry enough daily stress that it is harder on us than climbing the second largest mountain in the world.
This research just got me wondering about the stay at home mom with a toddler to chase and maybe a baby or another child to watch over. Or how about the working mom who trades in one kind of work for another at the end of her “work day”? Now, granted I haven’t done any research on this but my instinct and experience tells me that some moms may be living in a state of perpetual stress with all the negative impact that would have on their health and emotions. And a week vacation may not be in the plans.
You do have a unique opportunity to reduce stress by working with two new additions to the personal training program at Blue Springs Fitness: Nikki Mueller and Jennifer Stevens. Besides being knowledgeable about fitness, they are both moms who will understand the special obstacles moms face when trying to get fit. Jennifer is one of the most respected group exercise instructors in our area and now that she has branched out into personal training you’ll want to take advantage of her willingness to help you reach your goals in the group exercise room as well as out in the gym. As for Nikki, as a busy mother of twins and business owner she finds time to stay in great shape and she can help you do the same. Just don’t tell her how busy you are-no excuses! She’ll help you get it done.
Interestingly, that researcher also noted that a day spent having lunch and shopping did nothing to bring down one woman’s measureable stress while napping and reading at home did. I wish he’d looked at how much stress you can put aside by attending a vigorous group exercise class or getting a personal training session. I suspect it would have been one of the best things you could do to feel more energetic and relaxed.
One of the features of my book, Exercising Values, is a section for moms that is devoted to helping them relieve stress. As the mother of six children, I can tell you that each age has it’s own brand of stress and of delight. I love the line in Father of the Bride where Steve Martin says about his daughters flight landing, “It’s better when they are on the ground”. So there is the stress Nikki faces keeping up with active toddlers and there is the stress I now face with a college student boarding planes and traveling the world. My son Skyler, a former instructor here, is off to Mexico to help build a house during spring break. Coming to an exercise class or taking advantage of some of the best priced training in the city might help you rejuvenate yourself so you can enjoy those special family moments.
Recently my daughter’s two year old got a hold of a package of dried cranberries which he spread all over the living room. My daughter asked him why he did this and he answered,” Snow”. Better sign up for a PT session today before a small one “snows” on your carpeting.