Page 62 - October 2018 FOP Magazine

A contribution from a Chicago Lodge 7 Magazine sponsor
Exercise can be an effective way to improve mental health
Resistance training and cardiovascular ex- ercise have always been linked to physical benefits. Most people understand that
they can reduce body fat along with the
risks of diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, cholesterol, blood pressure and many oth-
er ailments. In addition to weight reduction, there are noticeable increases in muscle size, metabolism and bone density. But is there a link exercise to benefiting the mind?
Chicago Police Officers go through traumatic situations that may be hard to deal with. While counselors are available to officers, can exercise be another outlet for stress relief as well as a coping mechanism?
Exercise — whether it’s strength training, running, yoga, Pilates or martial arts — releases biochemicals in the body that alter a person’s mood, emotions and current energy. A good example of this is the “runner’s high,” a euphoric feel- ing reached during a run. That feeling can also be achieved
through other activities.
When an officer feels stressed, angry or frustrated,
strength training is an option that can help control these emotions. Instead of approaching a dumbbell or barbell and moving it out of anger, try resetting
your mind by focusing on muscle tensing and con- trolling every part of the range.
BRIAN SCHAB
62 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ OCTOBER 2018
Personal Fitness
Pick a weight that is a bit lighter than you normally lift, between 5 and 10 lbs. First, think of what you want to work on, like biceps or quadriceps, and then tense those muscles right before you move. Control the tempo to make the exer- cise difficult. What you’re doing is using that anger or stress by channeling it toward your workout with strategy. It will be safe on your body, effffective in creating strength and helpful in relieving some of those emotions.
I would love to apply this mind-to-muscle training to help manage your stress and increase strength and mobility. Please visit www.schabfitness.com to schedule a consultation.
Thank you, officers, for your dedicated service. d