At the present time, the most optimal way to stay healthy is to listen to your body. Recognising the early warning signs of overtraining and exercise fatigue, and adapting your training schedule appropriately, can assist with keeping you healthy.
What is an exercise stress test?
An exercise stress test is made use of in order to determine how well your heart responds during periods of time when it’s working its hardest. During the test, you’ll be requested to exercise — usually on a treadmill — while you’re attached to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. This gives your doctor the ability to monitor your heart rate.
Why perform an exercise stress test?
An exercise stress test is mainly used to assist your doctor with determining if your heart receives sufficient oxygen in addition to proper blood flow when it needs it most, for example, when you are exercising.
This test can be ordered for individuals who have been experiencing chest pains or additional signs of coronary heart disease (which is also known as coronary artery disease). Also, an exercise stress test may be used to assist with determining your level of health, particularly if you are beginning a new exercise programme. This allows your doctor to learn what is the level of exercise you can safely tolerate.
If you smoke and are older the age of 40-year-old, or if you have additional risk factors for heart disease, you ought to speak with your doctor to see if an exercise stress test is a good option for you.
With this in mind, here are some points to ponder – regarding exercise stress – and a few suggestions.
Keep a training log
In addition to keeping a note of workouts, keep a fatigue score (on a scale of 0 to 5). It is anticipated that a hard workout will make you feel tired, so it is even more important to note down the cumulative “feel” during the day.
Granted, the scale is individualised as well as subjective; however, this straightforward tool is very useful. If you notice that your fatigue is gradually increasing over days or weeks, then it is time to include more rest.
The value of a well-constructed training programme
A correctly constructed training programme, that allows for rest and recovery, will help head off problems before they start. Periodisation is a way to attain that goal.
Record your resting morning heart rate
A gradual increase may tip you off that you are surpassing your ability to recover.
Anticipate added stress in advance
For example, a new job, and adjust your workout schedule correspondingly. A small dose of rest early will prevent a bigger problem from occurring later on.
Heed your body’s early warning signs
Your body will tell you if something is wrong. Don’t ignore these as they will become even bigger problems.
Signs include:
- Disordered sleep (too much or insomnia)
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Moodiness or depression
- Excessive muscle soreness
- Poor concentration.
- Lack of mental energy
- Altered appetite
- Frequent injury or illness
- Lack of physical energy
We all suffer from stress — at work, at home as well as on the road. At times we can feel especially stressed owing to a bad interaction with a person, too much work, or daily hassles like getting stuck in traffic. Negative stress can prevent you from feeling and performing your best — mentally, physically and emotionally. However, no one’s life is totally stress-free. It’s imperative to learn the best way to manage the stress in your life.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
Become a personal trainer and learn how to help people manage exercise stress! Follow this link to learn more about our Personal Training Diploma.
