At Therapy Fitness, we often guide people to a heightened state through movement. Whether it’s a challenging cycle class or an intense RunLift session, exercise does trigger a stress response in the body, but it’s important to recognise that this is an acute, short-term stress known as “eustress,” which is actually beneficial.

Unlike chronic stress, which keeps cortisol levels elevated over time and can wear the body down, the stress from exercise is controlled and productive, helping to build resilience against daily stressors. Just like dynamic breathing can help release stored tension, the controlled stress of exercise helps the body adapt and become more resilient to future challenges.

This is why cool-downs are crucial. If we don’t give ourselves a moment to reset and calm the nervous system, we may leave class still in a heightened, activated state. And whilst cortisol will naturally lower after a bout of exercise.

Incorporating 3-5 minutes of slow, controlled breathing at the end of class, can help bring the body back to a parasympathetic state quicker, ensuring that people leave feeling calm, grounded, and full of those feel-good endorphins!