6 Easy Exercise Routines to Help Women Beat Stress

Yoga is said to relieve stress and rejuvenate the body and mind. Those who practice yoga claim it can help ease pain in the back, neck, joints and muscles. Its relaxed pace makes it a perfect activity that will give women a break from a hectic schedule.Yoga beginners must start with more simple moves.

Basic beginning Yoga moves:

The Corpse Pose - Lie on stomach. Fold arms and place them in front of your face. Place head on hands.

The Easy Pose - Sit cross-legged with hands on knees.

Neck stretches - Slowly roll neck from side to side.

Leg raises - Lie on back, arms at sides. Lift legs into the air to create a 90 degree angle.

The Cobra - Lie down face down on floor, arms bent and in front of body. Lift upper torso from the floor.

2. Pilates

Much like Yoga, Pilates is a mindful practice that involves strengthening the body and clearing the mind. Breathing and concentration are essential for Pilates. In return it can improve body awareness and quality of life for women. They will give you a killer body.

Pilates is best taught to beginners in a class or by watching a DVD so beginners can mirror the moves exactly.

Developed by Pilates instructor Mari Winsor, Winsor Pilates is one of the most recognizable and reputable names in exercise. The Winsor Pilates Super Sculpting DVD package is a great way to get started. The weight loss support package includes DVDs focused on burning fat, sculpting muscles, and circle workouts. It also includes the an exercise planner, cookbook, and sculpting circle.

You can also find information on free Pilates video clips here:
http://pilates.about.com/od/buyingequipmentetc/qt/Videos-Online.htm

3. Rock climbing

As long as precautions are taken to avoid strain and injury, rock climbing can be a big stress-reliever. The first time I tried it, I was surprised how much fun it was and how good it made me feel. I didn't know what to expect beforehand, but I realized it took my mind off all worries and forced me to live in the moment. It's an exciting sport. It will give you an adrenaline rush and heighten your endorphins, causing feelings of elation. It's hard not to smile once you reach the top (where I climbed, at the YMCA, there was a bell to ring once you reached the top. It was great fun.)

You will learn about equipment, knots, protection, and technique before climbing. There are schools, indoor and outdoor classes depending on where you live.

4. Swimming

Swimming is an enjoyable way for women to feel great and get in shape. Many people claim there is nothing more relaxing than swimming laps. If you have never tried it before, you'll be thrilled at water's soothing properties.

Learn to do a backstroke: http://swimming.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=swimming&cdn=sports&tm=40&gps=47_1324_796_399&f=00&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Arena/7828/backstroke.html

Learn to do a breaststroke: http://swimming.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=swimming&cdn=sports&tm=90&gps=49_1386_796_399&f=00&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Arena/7828/breastroke.html

Learn to do a butterfly stroke: http://swimming.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=swimming&cdn=sports&tm=8&gps=54_1522_796_399&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Arena/7828/butterfly.html

5. Walking

Getting away from work, breathing fresh air, and working up a good sweat are only a few ways walking can be a stress reliever. Walking is a great activity to do with a partner or in a group. It can be a time to gossip and catch up with a friend, or to spend bonding time with your significant other. It strengthens your cardiovascular system and helps tone muscles.

Thewalkingsite.com gives great advice for establishing a walking routine. The most important things to remember are: buy comfortable and supportive shoes, start slow, and make sure to vary your workouts.

6. Stretching

Stretching doesn't sound like an exercise, but it has so many great benefits for women. It helps keep you supple and lean, and can alleviate pain caused by sitting at a desk too long or doing manual labor. There isn't anyone who can't benefit from stretching.

Simple stretches:

Side stretch - Raise arms over head and slowly bend from side to side. Keep legs shoulder length apart. Hold for ten seconds.

Forward Bend - Bend from waist and try to touch toes. Go slowly to avoid pulling a muscle. Hold for ten seconds.

Quad Stretch - Bring foot up backwards, until touching butt, and grasp with hands. Hold for ten seconds.

Ankle stretch - Sit in a chair, lift foot and rotate ankle slowly, ten times clockwise and ten counterclockwise.