Less Stress, More Energy: Why "Working In" May Be More Important Than "Working Out"
The fitness world today is filled with people who are great at working out. From professional athletes to gym enthusiasts, many focus on intense exercise to get stronger and healthier. But what if all this “working-out” is actually hurting your health rather than helping it? For any of us, focusing on "working in" with gentle movement like walking, tai chi, yoga, or stretching could be the key to restoring energy and improving recovery.
Why We Need Gentle Movement in Stressful Lives
Most of us live extremely stressful lives. Between school, work, kids, and hobbies, there’s barely any time to breathe! Yet, many of us make intense exercise a staple in our lives—whether it’s your morning run, an afternoon kettlebell session, or a high-intensity interval class. Society has conditioned us to think that “no pain, no gain” is the only way to get results. But this mindset is often harmful.
While intense workouts may build muscle and stamina, they are also stressors on the body. Stress—whether from exercise, work, or life—activates the sympathetic nervous system and can lead to burnout, fatigue, and even illness. This is why incorporating gentle movement into your routine is vital for balance and recovery.
How Stress Affects Your Health and Fitness
Stress can be beneficial in moderation, especially when it promotes adaptation and growth. For example, lifting weights progressively adds stress to muscles, which makes them stronger. However, too much stress can lead to negative health outcomes like chronic disease, anxiety, and pain.
Many people are stressed beyond belief and need more energy and recovery, which is why they turn to stimulants like caffeine and sugar (which only make the problem worse!). Gentle movement can help reduce this stress by giving your body a chance to heal and recover, instead of constantly being in a state of exertion.
What is "Working In" and Why It Matters
The concept of “working in,” coined by Paul Chek, focuses on energy restoration instead of energy depletion. Unlike "working out," which uses energy and stresses the body, “working in” practices gentle movement that promotes recovery, activates your parasympathetic nervous system, and aids digestion.
“Working in” activities like walking, yoga, tai chi, or stretching are designed to calm the body and mind while giving you energy. By focusing on slow, controlled movements and breathing, you can de-stress and allow your body to heal naturally.
The Benefits of Gentle Movement: Walking, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Stretching
Many forms of gentle movement help reduce stress and improve recovery:
Walking: A low-impact way to get your body moving without the intensity of a workout.
Tai Chi: An ancient martial art that combines slow, intentional movements with deep breathing.
Yoga: Focuses on balance, flexibility, and breath, calming both body and mind.
Stretching: Helps release tension in muscles and improve mobility.
These activities activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body and promoting recovery. After engaging in these movements, you’ll feel calm, energized, and most importantly, de-stressed.
Why "Working Out" Alone Isn't Enough
Again, I’m not saying that working out doesn’t have benefits—it does. But along with working out, you also need to focus on recovery. Gentle movement practices help give your nervous system a break, allowing you to recover from the stress of daily life and intense exercise.
A good starting point for balancing your fitness routine is to focus on eating quality food, getting adequate sleep, and managing mental and emotional stress. These aspects of recovery are crucial to improving your overall health and longevity.
How to Add "Working In" to Your Routine
If you’re used to intense workouts, adding gentle movement into your routine may seem like a big change, but it’s easy to start with these tips:
Start Your Day with Gentle Movement: Try a short walk, some deep breathing, or light stretching before you begin your day.
Prioritize Recovery: Schedule a yoga or tai chi session in the evenings to help wind down and relax your body.
Focus on Breathwork: Incorporating breath-focused exercises during or after your workouts can help you down-regulate and recover faster.
By incorporating gentle movement and recovery practices, you’ll experience improved energy, less stress, and better overall health.
Conclusion: Restore Balance with "Working In"
Don’t just think about working out—consider working in with gentle movement practices to restore balance and energy. Activities like walking, tai chi, yoga, and stretching can help you recover, reduce stress, and promote longevity. Start small, and see how much better you feel with a well-balanced fitness routine.
