GetFit Top Tip

Oh here we go, hang the current media storm over the global financial situtation on the reasons why we are getting fat… a tenuous link you may be thinking… however a little bit of science may prove this correct.

Over the last few weeks I have noted increased tension in pretty much everyone, all my clients, the trainers around me, my family and pretty much everyone I talk to. I am not going to dismiss that there are some fairly sizeable problems out there, but I am not going to succumb to the frenzy that we see on the tv every day.

The problem with increased stress levels for prolonged periods mean that our cortisol levels remain at a heightened state for longer period. Whilst some cortisol is good for us, the length of time is the bit which causes the problem.

The long periods of elevated cortisol leads significantly to muscle loss and fat gain, in part due to lowered testosterone levels(yes even in females). Symptoms of excess stress include, weight gain, fatigue, spikes in blood sugar levels as well as cravings for carbs and increased regualarity of illness … All pretty grim really… but what can we do about it.

Now I am not suggesting we all shut ourselves in a box for the next 3 years waiting for all this to blow over, but it may be a good idea to reduce the exposure we have to these stressful things we see on the tv and read about on the internet.

• Many of you do work in the financial sector, which is getting hammered as we speak, but certainly I would suggest only dealing with what you can deal with during the  time you are in the office.
• When you wake in the morning, DO NOT turn on the TV or read a newspaper, I actually stopped doing this months go and it is a real eye opener to see the changes in your mood at the start of the day.
• At lunch time, get away from your desk, don’t surf the internet, better still get down the gym for a quick and hard 30 minute workout, take you iPod and pump some uplifting tunes in to your head.
• On the commute on the way home, each night make a mental or physical list of the things that you are going to start the following day with. Once you are at your front door, no more thoughts about work, and switch off the blackberry.
• Have a healthy evening meal, sit down with the family and watch a good film, go and do some sport and generally chill out.
• Finally go to bed early to get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Theses changes are so minor, they don’t affect your normal routine, other than simply avoiding being sucked in to the media frenzy of the day. Give it a try for the next few weeks and you’ll find that your stress levels will change, and your ability to lose body fat will be increased.

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