Expert: Linda Erwin, M.S. - 11/15/2006

Question
Hi. I'm doing a school project and the question asks how many times a week should step aerobics be performed in order to reduce emotional stress? If there is no specific answer, can you tell me your opinion on this question? Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Jennifer,
I believe that any exercise is helpful in reducing stress.  Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released when someone is stressed.  Exercise is one of the ways to dissipate it.  There's your answer.  Reducing emotional stress depends on the person and how much stress they have in their life.  Knowing how many times per week to perform step is not a fair question.  First of all, cross training is important so doing step everyday is not a good option.  I think you have enough here to answer that.
Good luck and let me know how you do on that question.
Linda