Vigorous exercise can be one of the best stress busters out there.
What could be more empowering than finishing a tough CrossFit workout?
Or more freeing than leaving work behind on an evening run?
For some people, strenuous workouts can rejuvenate the mind and body.
It all has to do with that hormone calledcortisol.
You may know it as one of our “stress hormones.”
The role of cortisol in the bodyand why too much is not your friend.
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, can be an amazing thing.
In short, cortisol is a great survival tool.
They can also be memories of traumatic experiences or situations likedivorce.
Our modern stressors may not be life-threatening, but they can still feel soul-crushing.
In response to these unavoidable triggers, cortisol ends up chronically elevated for some people.
Persistently elevated cortisol has a detrimental effect on the body.
Why you should consider “cortisol-conscious” exercise.
Studies2show that high-intensity exercise like CrossFit orrunningcauses a temporary rise in cortisol levels.
For some people, this doesn’t cause a problem.
Cortisol levels begin returning to normal as quickly as 15 minutes post-workout.
Timing workouts appropriately can also minimize the cortisol surge.
Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day according to ourcircadian rhythms.
They’re highest in the morning upon waking then slowly decline through the afternoon.
Some people get a second wind in the evening.
Exercising at the right time foryourbodyhas been shown5to minimize post-workout cortisol spikes.
People who exerciseoutsidetheir peak time experience the biggest increases in post-workout cortisol as well as poorer performance.
Ask yourself: How does my body feel like moving today?
Intuitive movement, or intuitive exercise, may take a little time to get used to.
After all, it requires a mind-body connection and a commitment to being still and tuned-in.
But the benefit is thatyoudecide what exercise will serve you best at any given time.
Bottom line: Make your workouts work foryou.
Consider why you exercise.
Maybe it’s to improve body composition, enhance focus, increase endorphins, or reduce stress.
Not all exercise is right for everybody.
