Feeling stressed? Like, “I just spilled coffee on my white shirt before an important meeting” stressed? Cortisol, the infamous “stress hormone,” is likely working overtime in your body. Don’t worry; you don’t need to take up knitting or start meditating in a cave to get those levels under control (unless that’s your thing). The Wellbridge family of clubs—home to Colorado Athletic Club and New Mexico Sports & Wellness—has everything you need to combat stress and lower cortisol with workouts that don’t just get you moving but truly make you feel amazing.
Here’s how to work out the worry and add a little extra zen to your life.
What Exactly Is Cortisol, and Why Should I Care?
Cortisol is like that coworker who won’t stop emailing you on a Saturday. It plays a crucial role in your body—it regulates your metabolism, blood sugar and even your immune response—but too much of it can wreak havoc. High cortisol levels can mess with your mood, sleep and focus, and even throw your metabolism out of whack.
The good news? Exercise—specifically, stress-relieving workouts—can do wonders for reducing cortisol levels. And no, we’re not talking about running a marathon or lifting 200-pound weights (though kudos to you if that’s your jam).
Workouts That Lower Cortisol
- Yoga and Pilates
Ah, yoga and Pilates—the OG stress-relief workouts. These are the Beyoncé of relaxation fitness routines—timeless, effective and seriously worth the hype. Slow, mindful movements paired with deep breathing can help drop your cortisol levels faster than you can say “savasana.” Plus, it’s hard to feel stressed when you’re mastering the art of downward dog.
- Swimming
Have you ever noticed how being near water is instantly calming? Now imagine being in it. Swimming isn’t just great cardio—it’s like nature’s stress reliever. The rhythmic motion of swimming, combined with the soothing effects of water, can lower cortisol and leave you feeling like an underwater zen master.
- Tai Chi
If swimming is nature’s stress reliever, Tai Chi is nature’s slow jam. Often described as meditation in motion, this Chinese martial art focuses on fluid, gentle movements that calm your mind and reduce cortisol. It’s basically the workout equivalent of a deep, satisfying exhale.
No need to perfect your moves right away—it’s all about flow and timing. (And hey, who doesn’t want to look like a kung fu master doing it?)
- Walking and Hiking
Okay, here’s the deal with walking and hiking—they’re simple, they’re effective and they come with a side of fresh air. Studies show that walking in nature (not just around your block dodging delivery scooters) can significantly lower cortisol and alleviate stress.
The Sweet Side Effects of Lowering Cortisol
Why should you care about these stress-relieving workouts? Besides feeling like the cooler, calmer version of yourself, here’s what you get when you tame your cortisol levels:
- Improved Mood: Say goodbye to those grumpy mornings and hello to feeling like sunshine in human form.
- Better Sleep: Finally catch those elusive Zzz’s you’ve been chasing for weeks.
- Enhanced Focus: Work smarter, not harder, with newfound mental clarity. (Your boss will thank you.)
- Boosted Immune System: Save those sick days for something fun because your body will be better equipped to fight off bugs.
- Weight Management: Balanced cortisol means your metabolism gets back on track, making those post-workout smoothies even more rewarding.
Make Stress Relief Fun with the Wellbridge Family of Clubs
Here’s where we come in. The Wellbridge family of clubs offers more than just workouts; we deliver experiences that make fitness something to look forward to.
Your next step? Start turning stress into success. Lower those cortisol levels and rediscover your inner calm at your nearest Wellbridge club. Visit us today to get started.