“Pushing too hard prevents recovery.” Stress expert Elke Van Hoof on why intensive exercise is counterproductive during stress.
“Exercise must be all-out, otherwise it doesn’t count.” That conviction can actually be counterproductive in cases of chronic stress. Intensive exercise increases your cortisol, which is exactly what your body does not need at that moment. Stress expert Elke Van Hoof explains why the way you move determines whether you tame the storm in your head or fuel it.
Elke provides a tip to ‘measure’ your intensity. Can you still chat calmly without getting short of breath? Then your intensity level is correct.
For the workplace, she discusses “stimulus training.” Just as efficient as other sports, without overloading your stress system.
