Stress-Relieving Workouts - Forbes

How Exercising Combats Stress Physical activity, experts say, has the ability to counteract stress at its source.

Exercise helps clear some of the hormones and triggers the body's relaxation response, says Dr. Cedric Bryant, chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise. Increased blood flow, he says, dissipates hormones coursing through the body. Mind-body activities like yoga and pilates--where controlled breathing is practiced­--confer the added benefit of lowering heart rate and minimizing reactions to anxiety-inducing stimuli....