LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
For Airmen who are feeling stressed out this holiday season, exercise can do a lot more than keep them fit to fight - it can also reduce stress.
Although there are a number of ways to reduce stress, exercise can help - and not just Airmen, but everyone.
"When you exercise, your body releases neurotransmitters or hormones that make you feel good," said Monica Cohen, Langley Health and Wellness Center fitness program manager. "When you're stressed out, your muscles contract and get tense; exercise relaxes tense muscles. Exercise can make you feel good, and if you feel good about who you are, that will reduce stress."
It takes is 20 minutes of exercise, five to six times a week to reduce stress, according to Mrs. Cohen. Although this may seem like a lot, there are easy ways to fit exercise into holiday schedules.
"Taking a walk around the block, walking up and down the stairs in your office - it really doesn't take a lot of exercise to reduce stress," said Mrs. Cohen.
Walking can be easy to fit into holiday schedules.
"Walking from the parking lot from the mall way out from the entrance my take 20 minutes in some places," said Mrs. Cohen. "Walk a couple extra laps around the mall. Fit in exercise whenever you can."
The fitness center has many exercise classes for people to choose from, such as yoga, spinning and CrossFit classes. The HAWC also sponsors a walking club for people interested in meeting other walkers.
"A lot of our classes are designed to reduce stress," said Staff Sgt. Frank Belton, 1st Services Squadron fitness specialist. "There's no judging; everyone is welcome. Our instructors are top-notch, and they're willing to work with anyone."
For a monthly schedule of fitness classes, click
here or visit the Shellbank or Air Combat Command Fitness Center. For more information or to register for the walking club, call the HAWC at 764-6321.