In the UK there are approximately 62,000 unnecessary deaths from stroke and heart attacks, due to po
It's no secret than men are far more susceptible to stress than our female counterpart. This is due to our hormones - nice to talk about male hormones for once, right?! Our 'male ego' is thought to be closely linked to testosterone levels, with studies showing that men with higher testosterone levels show more egotistic tenancies. This is what gives us the drive to be successful, as an inability to provide for our families and feelings of failure would be a serious knock to our ego. This is often why we allow work stresses to have a far greater impact on us than it might for a female. Sorry ladies, I didn't do the study! The problem is, stress causes high cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland as a response to stress.
High cortisol levels help us survive short periods of stress but can be extremely harmful in the long run.
Cortisol effects on the body:
High blood pressure
High blood sugar
Insulin resistance
Carbohydrate cravings
Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
Fat deposits on the face, neck, and belly
Reduced libido
The male ego is also responsible for men finding it more difficult to seek help.
Because, obviously, we're tough. We can handle this shit, right?!
I'm serious, it's no coincidence that around 75% of personal training clients are female. They're more willing to stop and ask for help... Ever been lost in the city?! You know what I'm getting at!
But the truth is, we need help just as much, and looking at the information above, quite possibly more!
In the UK there are approximately 62,000 unnecessary deaths from stroke and heart attacks, due to poor blood pressure control.
So swallow your pride and lets look at how you're going to get yourself together and start 2018 off in a positive way.
If we're honest, most of us aren't in a position to quit our jobs.
Those of us with young children will have to suffer with reduced sleep (also linked to high cortisol)
Those of us with teenagers will have to put up with the associated stresses.
And the ladies in our life will still nag us to put our socks and boxers in the laundry basket because, apparently, on the floor next to the laundry basket isn't good enough.
So how do we help manage our stress and improve our heart and overall health?
I think you know where I'm going with this:
Sex
I thought that might grab your attention... How do you feel after sex? Relaxed?
Exactly - the opposite to stressed.
Do we also sleep better after sex? Again, yes...
And does sex get our heart rate up? If not, I'd suggest you're doing it wrong. (this isn't something we offer training on) Sex is very, very good for our physical and mental health. There you go - It's medically recommended.
Unfortunately, it doesn't quite stop there....
Exercise
Exercise has very similar effects on the mind and body as the above.
It even has a similar hormonal effect - Both are shown to release dopamine which is responsible for controlling our emotions.
Dopamine is also the love drug, making you want to do more of the above (worth exercising as a couple?) and the healthy cycle continues. I've also been told that JWC is the most fun that people have had with their clothes on.
OK, I made that bit up.
But in all seriousness, as a nation we are overweight, over stressed and in a state of very poor health. Most of us lead sedentary lives, eat quick food on the go - compromising nutritional value, allow work and other stresses to rule our lives and don't get enough sleep.
So what are YOU going to do about it?!
Sure, you could join a gym, like people do every January and by February be bored, disheartened by the lack of results and slip back to your old ways by spring.
You could commit to waking the dog more frequently, using the stairs rather than the escalator and parking further away from the office. Which will help. Until it's cold, raining or you're running late.
Or you could finally pluck up the courage to ask for help. Accept that you need it, just like you would if you have a medical condition and seek professional help.
Our coaches know what we're doing. We've done it for a long time and we do it because we genuinely want to help YOU to improve YOUR way of living.
This New Year, make a real commitment to your health and well-being and reap the rewards for years to come.
On the 4th January, our Beginner to Winner programme starts. The ideal place to begin your fitness journey!
See link below the image for more information and please, get in touch before the course fills!
(One to One training and other group options available for differing abilities)
https://www.jwchealthandfitness.org/fitness-programmes