How Physical Exercise Helps Combat Stress

We all feel stressed at some point in our lives.

Maybe you have a big exam coming up or you're starting a new job, and you're starting to experience some physical signs of stress. Or, you might be looking for ways to manage your busy daily life and keep stress to a minimum so you have more time to spend with friends and family.

Regular physical activity and exercise is a crucial factor in combatting stress. This guide will explore what stress is and the causes, as well as how to relieve stress with a smart exercise bike and how an Echelon membership can support your progress.

What is stress?

Stress is a feeling that we will all experience during our lives. It is the natural reaction your body has when challenges arise or changes occur.

Over time, persistent stress can increase your risk of several physical health issues, like heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Stress can also have an impact on your mental health and increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Causes of stress

There are several factors which can cause stress, both internally and externally, that your body perceives as a threat. You might be unwell with an illness or injury, going through bereavement, worrying about money and debt or going through a divorce. These life events can cause stress, and the levels of stress you feel may be different to a friend or family member who has been through a similar situation.

If you have been feeling stressed for a short period of time or if you suffer from chronic stress, creating and following a physical exercise plan can help you combat your stress and make you feel happier and more relaxed.

Relieving stress with a smart exercise bike

Physical activity helps to combat stress by improving your body's ability to use oxygen and improve blood flow. Exercise helps to reduce the levels of adrenaline and cortisol, the stress hormones, and increases your brain's production of endorphins, a hormone known for making you feel good after a good workout. Taking a break from something that is causing you stress to exercise also helps to take your mind off your worries and provide a break for your brain.

Leading a busy lifestyle might mean you have little time to go to the gym or you may be restricted with your dedicated workout space. A smart exercise bike, like an exercise bike with a screen, may be a great addition to your exercise routine. This type of smart exercise bike is interactive, meaning you can follow along with one of Echelon's several live or on-demand classes.

Studies have shown that incorporating indoor cycling during your work day can improve your memory, reasoning and planning after 30 minutes on a stationary smart exercise bike.

So, even 30 minutes of exercise can help you to cycle your way to better mental health and reduce your stress levels.

Benefits of combatting stress with indoor cycling

There are several benefits of cycling for your physical and mental health, which can result in reduced levels of stress.

These include greater energy expenditure which reduces your risk of being overweight, greater cardiovascular efficiency which decreases the risk of heart disease and improved mental health and wellbeing because of the hormones released during exercise.