Kicking stress right in the gonads

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: STEPHANIE LAI
Karen Nixon-Carroll uses a punching bag at Fitness 101 to help reduce stress.

How is your stress level this week? Now that you are three-quarters into the fall semester, my guess is that you are approaching a high level of stress if not already there.

What are you doing to cope?

Study with friends and then allow for some social time afterwards. Camaraderie and support is crucial and often you will surprise each other with tips on what works well for you for studying or help each other finish a project.

Another great way to spend your time and ease your stress level is with a great workout.

You can go for it by yourself or treat it as your post-study session social time. That could mean you and a friend take turns while hitting the weights and finish off with a stress-blasting boxing working. As a member at Fitness 101 or with $5.50 day pass, you can rent gloves, punch and kick pads and use the punching bag.

Maybe you and a few buddies want to join a group exercise class and have a blast for an hour or two – try one of Fitness 101’s Insanity classes, or for a more relaxing time there are many Yoga classes to choose from.

Maybe some of you may need a little competition to get you going and the 17th annual Fitness 101 Strength Challenge should do the trick. It is a solo competition, however, you can register at the same time as a friend and take turn with the exercises to challenge and support each other.

Anyone can participate in the challenge: $5.00 for members, $10.50 for non-members. The exercises include: weighted squat, bench press, pull-ups, push-ups and a plank. You can ask any of the staff at Fitness 101 to give you a demonstration of each of the exercises.

A little competition against others or even with yourself can help give you that sense of accomplishment and give your ego a bit of a boost, empowering you to get through those final projects and exams. The challenge is on November 27 to 28 and takes 30 minutes or less to complete.

For more information, check out the challenge board inside Fitness 101 or talk to a membership staff. Whatever route you choose to cope with your stress this semester, make sure it includes a balance of exercise and healthy eating.

Take a rest when your body asks for it and don’t trick yourself with too much caffeine. Staying healthy and alert can make the difference between an A and a C grade.

Karen Nixon-Carroll is the program manager at Fitness 101, Fanshawe College professor, YMCA fitness course trainer and examiner, Fanshawe FHP grad and holds fitness certifications for personal training, group fitness and wellness. Email her at karen.carroll@fanshawec.ca.