How did the Iroquois invent lacrosse. What is the spiritual significance of lacrosse to the Iroquois. Why are Iroquois Nationals the only Native American team in international sports. How did passport issues affect the Iroquois Nationals team.
The Origins and Spiritual Significance of Iroquois Lacrosse
Lacrosse, a sport deeply rooted in Native American culture, is believed to have been invented by indigenous peoples as early as the 12th century. The Iroquois, in particular, have played a crucial role in the development and preservation of this ancient game.
For the Iroquois, lacrosse is more than just a sport; it’s a spiritual practice. Ansley Jemison, general manager of the Iroquois Nationals, explains, “We play this game to give enjoyment to the Creator.” Before each match, the team gathers around their spiritual advisor for traditional rituals, including a tobacco-burning ceremony, to prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for the game ahead.
The Evolution of Lacrosse: From “Little War” to Modern Sport
The original version of lacrosse was a far cry from the game we know today. It involved hundreds of players on a field up to a mile long, with matches lasting for days. The Eastern Cherokee name for the sport roughly translates to “little war,” reflecting its intense and physically demanding nature.
- Players: Hundreds
- Field length: Up to one mile
- Duration: Multiple days
Despite its aggressive-sounding name, the game’s purpose was not to inspire violence but rather to serve as a spiritual and cultural practice for Native American communities.
The Iroquois Nationals: Ambassadors of Native American Heritage
The Iroquois Nationals hold a unique position in the world of international sports. They are the only Native American team authorized to compete at an international level, representing the Iroquois Confederacy in lacrosse tournaments worldwide.
How did the Iroquois Nationals gain this distinction? In 1987, the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) accepted the Iroquois Confederacy as a full member nation. This recognition allowed the team to participate in their first international competition in 1990, marking the beginning of a new era for Native American representation in global sports.
The Significance of the Iroquois Nationals in Modern Times
The importance of the Iroquois Nationals extends far beyond the lacrosse field. As Jemison states, “The game is absolutely still a big part of our culture. We are very proud to represent our nation.” This sentiment underscores the team’s role as ambassadors of Iroquois culture and heritage on the international stage.
In addition to representing the Iroquois Confederacy, the team also provides opportunities for Native Americans from other tribes. As part of their agreement with the FIL, the Iroquois Nationals allow Native Americans from various tribes to try out and play for the team, further promoting unity and representation among indigenous communities.
The Rise of Iroquois Lacrosse on the World Stage
Since their debut in international competition, the Iroquois Nationals have consistently proven their skill and dedication to the sport. Their performances in the Lacrosse World Championship (LWC) have established them as one of the top teams globally, consistently placing in the top four alongside powerhouses like Canada, the United States, and Australia.
How did the Iroquois Nationals achieve such success? Their journey from humble beginnings to international recognition is a testament to their skill, determination, and the growing appreciation for Native American contributions to the sport.
From Grassroots to Global Recognition
The Iroquois Nationals’ rise to prominence was not without its challenges. In their early years, the team relied on donated equipment and airline tickets to participate in international competitions. However, their exceptional performance and unique cultural significance soon attracted attention and support from various quarters.
- 2008: Nike endorsement deal
- Funding from prominent Native American businesses
- Scholarships and recruitment offers from top university teams
This increased support has allowed the Iroquois Nationals to compete at the highest levels of international lacrosse, showcasing their skills and heritage on a global stage.
Lacrosse in the Olympics: Past, Present, and Future
Lacrosse has a limited but notable Olympic history. The sport was featured as a medal event in the 1904 and 1908 Olympic Games, with Canada claiming gold in both instances. Since then, lacrosse has appeared sporadically as a demonstration sport in subsequent Summer Olympics.
Will we see lacrosse return to the Olympics in the near future? The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) is actively working towards this goal. However, significant challenges remain:
- The sport needs a following on at least four continents
- A minimum of 75 competing countries is required
- Currently, only 23 countries are members of the FIL
Given these requirements, it may be some time before lacrosse regains its Olympic status. In the meantime, the Lacrosse World Championship (LWC) serves as the premier international competition for the sport.
The Lacrosse World Championship: A Global Showcase
The Lacrosse World Championship (LWC) is the most prestigious international lacrosse tournament. Held every four years, it brings together the world’s top lacrosse-playing nations to compete for global supremacy.
How has the LWC grown over the years? From its inception as a four-nation tournament, the championship has expanded significantly. In 2010, a record 29 countries participated, demonstrating the sport’s growing global appeal.
Dominance of Traditional Powerhouses
Despite the increasing number of participating nations, the top positions in the LWC have been consistently dominated by a select few teams:
- Iroquois Nationals
- Canada
- United States
- Australia
These four nations have maintained their stronghold on the top four positions throughout the championship’s history, showcasing their exceptional skill and deep-rooted lacrosse traditions.
The Passport Controversy: Iroquois Identity on the World Stage
In 2010, the Iroquois Nationals faced an unexpected challenge that brought international attention to issues of indigenous sovereignty and identity. As the team prepared to travel to Manchester, England, for their first game against Germany in the Lacrosse World Championship, they were denied entry into the United Kingdom.
What was the reason for this denial? The British government refused to recognize the Iroquois Confederacy passports carried by team members, insisting that they present either Canadian or American documents to cross the border.
Diplomatic Interventions and Outcomes
The passport issue sparked a diplomatic effort to resolve the situation:
- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton intervened on behalf of the team
- A one-time waiver was obtained, allowing the team to travel
- The waiver was granted despite the Iroquois passports lacking biometric chips and current security features
Despite these efforts, the British authorities maintained their position, refusing to recognize the Iroquois Confederacy passports as valid travel documents.
The Team’s Response and Cultural Significance
The Iroquois Nationals team members were understandably upset by the suggestion that they should obtain passports from nations they did not consider their own. This controversy highlighted the ongoing struggles of indigenous peoples to maintain their distinct identities in the face of modern geopolitical realities.
As one team member poignantly stated, “It’s one thing to lose a game to a team that’s better than you; it’s another to lose to a man behind a desk.” This sentiment underscores the frustration felt by the team and the broader indigenous community when faced with bureaucratic obstacles to their cultural expression and sovereignty.
The History and Challenges of Iroquois Confederacy Passports
The Iroquois Confederacy has been issuing passports since 1923, long before the current era of heightened international security. For many years, holders of these documents were able to travel internationally with relative ease.
Why did the acceptance of Iroquois passports change? The landscape of international travel and security underwent a significant transformation following the events of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, many countries, including those in the European Union, tightened their border security measures and became more stringent about the types of travel documents they would accept.
Current Status and Ongoing Challenges
Today, the Iroquois Confederacy passport faces several challenges in the international arena:
- Non-recognition by EU member states as legal travel documents
- Lack of biometric features required by many countries
- Inconsistent acceptance at various international borders
These issues continue to pose difficulties for Iroquois citizens seeking to travel internationally, particularly for events like the Lacrosse World Championship. The situation highlights the complex interplay between indigenous sovereignty, national security concerns, and international diplomacy in the modern world.
The Future of Iroquois Lacrosse: Preserving Tradition in a Changing World
As the Iroquois Nationals continue to compete at the highest levels of international lacrosse, they face the challenge of balancing their rich cultural heritage with the demands of modern sport. How can the team maintain its unique identity while adapting to evolving international standards and regulations?
Innovations in Equipment and Training
One area where the Iroquois Nationals have successfully blended tradition with modernity is in their equipment and training methods. While still honoring traditional craftsmanship, the team has embraced cutting-edge technologies and training techniques to enhance their performance on the field.
- Use of advanced materials in stick construction
- Incorporation of sports science in training regimens
- Collaboration with universities and sports technology companies
These innovations allow the team to compete at the highest level while still maintaining a connection to their cultural roots.
Youth Development and Cultural Education
Ensuring the future of Iroquois lacrosse goes beyond success on the international stage. The Iroquois Nationals and the broader Iroquois community are actively working to engage younger generations in the sport and its cultural significance.
What initiatives are in place to promote lacrosse among Iroquois youth? Several programs have been established to nurture the next generation of players and cultural ambassadors:
- Youth lacrosse clinics and camps
- Cultural education programs tied to lacrosse training
- Mentorship opportunities with current and former Iroquois Nationals players
These efforts aim to ensure that the spiritual and cultural aspects of lacrosse remain central to its practice among the Iroquois people, even as the sport continues to evolve and gain global popularity.
The Global Impact of Iroquois Lacrosse
The influence of Iroquois lacrosse extends far beyond the boundaries of their traditional territories. As ambassadors of the sport, the Iroquois Nationals have played a crucial role in spreading lacrosse to new regions and inspiring players around the world.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding
International competitions provide unique opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. How does the presence of the Iroquois Nationals at these events contribute to global cultural awareness?
- Sharing of traditional Iroquois customs and rituals with international audiences
- Promotion of indigenous rights and sovereignty on a global stage
- Fostering respect for diverse cultural practices within the sporting community
These interactions help to broaden perspectives and promote cross-cultural dialogue, using sport as a vehicle for greater understanding and appreciation of indigenous cultures.
Inspiring Indigenous Athletes Worldwide
The success of the Iroquois Nationals serves as an inspiration to indigenous athletes around the world. Their presence in international competitions demonstrates that indigenous peoples can compete at the highest levels while maintaining their cultural identity.
What impact has this had on other indigenous communities? The Iroquois Nationals’ example has inspired:
- The formation of indigenous sports teams in other countries
- Increased participation in lacrosse among indigenous youth globally
- Greater recognition of indigenous athletic talent in various sports
This ripple effect contributes to the empowerment and visibility of indigenous peoples in the global sporting arena.
Challenges and Opportunities for Iroquois Lacrosse in the 21st Century
As the Iroquois Nationals continue to navigate the complex landscape of international sports, they face both challenges and opportunities. How can the team address these issues while staying true to their cultural heritage?
Addressing Travel Document Issues
The passport controversy highlighted the need for a long-term solution to the travel document issue. Potential strategies include:
- Diplomatic efforts to gain wider recognition for Iroquois Confederacy passports
- Exploration of special travel arrangements for international sporting events
- Collaboration with governments to develop mutually acceptable documentation
Resolving these issues will be crucial for ensuring the team’s continued participation in international competitions.
Expanding the Sport’s Reach
While lacrosse has grown significantly in recent years, there is still potential for further expansion. The Iroquois Nationals can play a key role in this growth by:
- Participating in exhibition matches and clinics in new markets
- Sharing the cultural significance of lacrosse with diverse audiences
- Collaborating with international lacrosse organizations to develop the sport globally
These efforts can help lacrosse move closer to achieving Olympic status while also spreading awareness of Iroquois culture and history.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
As lacrosse continues to evolve as a modern sport, how can the Iroquois Nationals maintain their unique identity? Key considerations include:
- Preserving traditional elements of the game in training and preparation
- Integrating cultural practices into team strategies and gameplay
- Educating players and staff about the spiritual and historical significance of lacrosse
By finding this balance, the Iroquois Nationals can continue to be competitive on the world stage while serving as ambassadors for their rich cultural heritage.
A History of Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse
By Lena Camara
Lacrosse is not what tends to come to mind when Canada and sports are mentioned in the same breath, though it is the country’s national sport – in summer, at least. The sport has been around for centuries, predating even the European settlement of North America; it is believed the Native Americans invented the game of Lacrosse as early as the 12th century. Lacrosse is not only a sport, but originally was played as a spiritual endeavour, meant to give thanks and praises to the gods, a tradition which the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team follows to this day.
The original version of the game was played with possibly hundreds of players at a time on a field that could range up to a mile in length and would continue for days. Given the number of players, and the physicality lacrosse demands, it is with good reason that the Eastern Cherokee name for the sport roughly translates to “little war.” The game, however, has little to do with inspiring aggression.
“We play this game to give enjoyment to the Creator,” clarified Ansley Jemison, general manager of the Iroquois Nationals. Before the game, the team gathers around their spiritual advisor who leads a traditional tobacco-burning rite, among other rituals that prepare the players to take the field.
The only time lacrosse has been a medal-earning sport at the Olympics was in 1904 and 1908 when Canada won the gold medal for men’s lacrosse both times. Lacrosse has been played for demonstration in a small number of subsequent summer games, and the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) continues to push the game’s presence in order to reinstate it at the Olympics. In order to do so, the sport will need a following on at least four continents with 75 competing countries. With only 23 countries currently in the FIL, it will be some time before we see the sport in the Olympics again. Until that time, the Lacrosse World Championship (LWC) will have to do. It is the biggest of the international lacrosse championships.
The LWC is played every four years, just like the World Cup, and involved a record 29 competing countries in 2010. From its inception as a four-nation tournament until the present, the same teams have dominated: only the Iroquois, Canadian, American and Australian teams have ever placed in the top four.
The Iroquois Nationals team is the only Native American team authorized to play a sport internationally. The FIL accepted the Iroquois Confederacy as a full member nation in 1987, and they participated in their first competition in 1990. Since then, the Nationals then proven their mettle. “The game is absolutely still a big part of our culture,” said Jemison, when asked about the team’s importance today. “We are very proud to represent our nation.” As part of the agreement with the FIL, Native Americans from other tribes are also eligible to tryout and play for the Nationals.
The Nationals have been endorsed by Nike since 2008, and receive other funding from various sources including prominent Native American businesses.
They are now a long way away from the donated equipment and airline tickets that saw them through the 1990 LWC. Under-funded at the outset, the Iroquois Nationals made a name for themselves and attracted investments and interest from around North America. Nowadays, their players are offered scholarships and recruited by the best university teams.
This summer, the LWC made news for reasons other than lacrosse. Upon travelling to Manchester for their first game against Germany, the Iroquois team was denied entry into England. The British government demanded that they carry either Canadian or American documents in order to cross the border, as their Iroquois Confederacy passports were not recognized. In the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton intervened on behalf of the Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team, obtaining a one-time waiver that allowed them to travel despite their passports not containing biometric chips and current security features. More outrage was levied against the British than the American authorities, though neither was willing to give the Iroquois Confederacy passport the same privileges as the Canadian and American ones.
When asked about the decisions, team members were incensed by the idea of obtaining passports of nations to which they did not belong. Jemison quoted a member of the Nationals who said, “It’s one thing to lose a game to a team that’s better than you; it’s another to lose to a man behind a desk.”
It was in 1923 that the Iroquois Confederacy began issuing passports, and for many years carriers of this document were able to travel without much problem. With tightened security measures after 9/11, the E.U. member states no longer recognize Iroquois Confederacy passports as legal documents. While holders of this passport are free to enter Canada, neither the U.S. nor Canada endorse it as an official and valid travel document. The Bloc Québecois sided with the federal government on the issue, arguing that if the Iroquois passport was valid, then Quebec would also issue its own travel documents. As for the tournament, the Iroquois Nationals were never given the chance to compete and so did not place in the championship.
Every match scheduled against the team was counted as a 1-0 forfeit victory for the other nation, which Jemison felt “was a big disappointment to all of us because we were highly ranked. We had all the tools to do well but suddenly it felt like we had one hand tied behind our backs.”
Despite recent difficulties with customs, the Nationals continue to cement a presence in international lacrosse. Just this month they travelled to Hawaii to compete at a tournament, which marked the first meeting of the indigenous Hawaiian players with the Iroquois. The team has previously travelled to other tournaments around the world to represent the Iroquois Confederacy, finding little to no trouble with regards to restricted movement. The 2014 LWC will be hosted in Denver and the Nationals should have no trouble getting there to represent the Iroquois.
Entertainment – Haudenosaunee Confederacy
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EntertainmentCommunications2021-06-09T18:45:42-04:00
While the Haudenosaunee communities were bustling with chores and every day living, their lives did not consist only of work.
Throughout the Haudenosaunee culture were times of celebration and thanksgiving.
Art, sports, games, music and dance were staples in the Haudenosaunee people’s lives and often intertwined in their day to day activities. Every game or piece of art had a second significant purpose. Sports like lacrosse were played by men as a sort of conditioning to maintain and further develop their skills. Baskets, combs and beadwork clothing which are seen as artistic pieces today were made for practical use but with as much love and attention as any artistic piece today.
Music and dance were a major part of the Haudenosaunee lives. Ceremonies and social dances could involve 60 to 70 songs using instruments like water drums and gourd rattles.
While children played, most of their games involved role playing to learn what their mothers or fathers do. For young boys lacrosse was a way of teaching the skills of stealth, strength, agility and speed. Girls played with cornhusk dolls to prepare them for their role as nurturers.
Another past time of story telling helped them to learn the stories that taught them their culture and the ways of the Haudenosaunee.
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At 20 years old, we are in great physical shape and can show our best results in sports. At 30 and 40 years old, we will not be able to achieve such results, but we can remain active throughout our lives.
Everyone knows that exercise in reasonable amounts has a positive effect on health. However, the impact can be very different.
Physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, protects against certain types of cancer and prevents type 2 diabetes.
In addition, sports support our mental health: the body produces more endorphins, which positively affects our mood and self-esteem.
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But it is also obvious that sports for a 20-year-old is not the same as a sport for a 40-year-old.
It would be logical to assume that there are sports that are more suitable for a certain age.
If you do not take into account the age factor when choosing physical activity, you can in some cases cause serious harm to health.
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Staying active into adulthood keeps us feeling good and in good spirits
The Conversation magazine published a debate by scientists on what kind of physical activity at what age will help you stay healthy health.
Professor of Physical Therapy Julie Broderick from Trinity College Dublin talks about the scientists’ general recommendations for people of all ages.
In childhood
Exercise helps children develop, strengthens their muscles, builds self-confidence and self-confidence, and promotes healthy sleep and wake patterns.
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It is important that children always have time for “free” physical activity, such as playing in the park or playground
As a child, it is important to try different sports to develop different abilities of the child.
Everything is suitable – from swimming to ball games and wrestling. It is also important that the child has time for “free” physical activity – to play in the park or on the playground.
Adolescence
Children’s interest in sports tends to fade as they get older, especially for girls, says Broderick.
However, sports at this age will not only help you stay in good physical shape, but also reduce stress and get rid of the fears that are typical for teenagers.
Team sports are preferable at this age. This will help keep you motivated to play sports, expand your teen’s social circle, and teach them discipline.
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Image caption,
In adolescence, the main thing is to help your child not lose interest in sports
If you choose from non-team sports, it can be swimming, gymnastics and athletics.
At 20
In this decade of our lives, we can show our best results in sports, experts say.
The reaction rate at this age is at its peak, the time for recovery is minimal, oxygen enters the bloodstream much faster than when you are younger or older.
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Image caption,
At 20, we can be at our best in sports. Pictured: Swiss snowboarder Patrick Burgener
If you’re 20 or so, try to be your best at that age. Try a wide variety of sports: rugby, rowing, weightlifting and athletics.
Try to keep your training varied: alternate aerobic exercise with anaerobic and strength exercises.
At 30
At this age, it is important to keep the muscles strong and the cardiovascular system healthy. As a rule, at this age, we have a sedentary job and a lot of family concerns, so it is difficult for us to find time for sports.
Therefore, one must act wisely. Don’t stop exercising due to lack of time, but do short but very intense workouts known as High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts.
These are cycling, running, skiing and swimming.
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At 30, it’s time to get smart
Women at this age, especially after having a baby, are encouraged to do Kegel exercises aimed at strengthening and developing the muscles of the pelvic floor.
It is also very important to make your workouts varied and enjoyable. If this is not done, then interest in sports will quickly fade away.
At age 40
At this age, we usually begin to gain weight. And, according to experts, strength training at this age is exactly what you need.
Strength training will help us not only not to gain weight, but to slow down the loss of muscle mass. Losses of muscle mass on average range from 3 to 8% over 10 years.
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Image caption,
If you’ve never played a strength sport before, it’s best not to try lifting the bar straight away.
Start with dumbbells
If you’ve never done strength training before, it’s best to start with dumbbells and move on to weight machines later.
If you haven’t started running yet, now is the time. Running can help keep your cardiovascular system healthy, says Broderick.
And if you add Pilates to this, you can also perfectly strengthen your back muscles.
At the age of 50
Our physical abilities are especially noticeably reduced at this age. We are increasingly faced with pain, discomfort, various chronic diseases make themselves felt. Including at this age, type 2 diabetes is often detected.
Women are particularly susceptible to cardiovascular disease due to changes in hormonal levels – mainly due to a decrease in estrogen levels.
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Image caption,
50 year olds should focus on cardio
The solution – at least two workouts a week should be strength training so you can maintain muscle mass.
Also, at least two workouts per week should be devoted to cardio exercises – this can be brisk walking or easy running. Also, these workouts can be combined with a completely different activity – like yoga or tai chi gymnastics, which will help develop a sense of balance and balance.
At age 60
After age 60, the risk of developing or exacerbating chronic diseases increases. According to experts, physical activity will help reduce these risks.
The most useful physical activity at this age, from the point of view of specialists, is ballroom dancing. They also advise two workouts a week to devote to simple exercises to develop strength and flexibility.
Water aerobics is an ideal choice, because during training in the water you can strengthen your muscles well, while the load on the joints will be minimal.
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Image caption,
At 60, the ideal workout is ballroom dancing
And don’t forget about cardio.
A brisk walk will do.
Age 70 and over
At this age, it is important to stay active and avoid injury. In addition, physical activity helps keep your cognitive abilities at the same level.
Try to go for walks and do light strength exercises during the week. But before that, be sure to consult your doctor.
The most important thing is to keep physically active all your life.
Stress trainers: what kind of sports to do with emotional imbalance
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freepik.com habitual affairs, the other begins to train hard. According to experts, exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress, but it’s important not to overdo it.
Only 30% of respondents in Russia can maintain emotional balance and control the level of anxiety in connection with current events.
This is evidenced by the research data of the NAFI Analytical Center. The survey involved 1,600 people over 18 from 53 regions of Russia.
As the researchers found out, the severity of the psychological reaction depends on gender, age, financial situation, level of education. Young people aged 18 to 24 (48%) and people with a good financial situation (43%) are the least stressed.
Nearly half (48%) of respondents said they found various ways to get rid of stress and anxiety. Hobbies and entertainment help 12% of survey participants, household chores – 10%, work and finding an additional source of income – 9%, communication with friends and family – 6%, walking and sports – 3%.
According to a survey by Hasttings, a manufacturer and supplier of sports equipment in Russia, 37% fight stress through sports. The study involved 2050 people from 18 years old. At the same time, 25% said that anxious thoughts do not allow them to focus on sports, so going to the gym and home workouts are postponed.
Talking with loved ones and helping them at a difficult moment (64%), sleeping (33%), communicating with friends (32%) also help to cope with stress, noted in Hasttings.
The age of anxiety needs sports
If the 20th century was called the century of depression, then the 21st century is the century of anxiety, says Evgeny Fomin, a psychotherapist, sports psychologist, candidate of medical sciences. According to him, stress precedes an anxiety disorder, which in the long run can provoke a depressive syndrome. Stress relief as a prevention of anxiety-depressive disorder is promoted by physical activity.
“In an evolutionary way, a mechanism has been developed to protect the body from situations associated with a threat to life. This is the release of stress hormones – adrenaline, norepinephrine, which increase physical and mental tone, – explains Fomin. – But, as a rule, at the moment of experiencing a stress reaction in modern conditions, nothing physically threatens a person, so this is an exaggerated reaction.
And the energy aimed at survival must somehow be utilized. The best way is sport. According to Fomin, sports are suitable for everyone, except for those who have physiological limitations or contraindications from doctors.
Regular exercise improves mood, boosts self-confidence and helps to relax, adds Daria Volkova, a cardiologist at the Central Clinical Hospital with a polyclinic of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation. “They have a positive effect on sleep, which is often disturbed due to stress or depression. All these benefits give a person a sense of control over their body and their lives,” the expert explains.
freepik.com
But before starting a workout, it is important to assess your condition. You should consult with a certified trainer who will help you choose the necessary load, says fitness expert Eduard Kanevsky.
If a person is constantly under stress, then an attempt to get out of this state with the help of sports can increase anxiety and lead to unpleasant consequences.
“A person comes to the gym to “knock out” stress or “run” it to the point of exhaustion. But during intensive cardio training, adrenaline and noradrenaline are again released into the blood. In a normal, more or less calm situation, this is what you need, Volkova explains. – But in a state of stress, when adrenaline and noradrenaline are already off scale, endorphin is not enough for a long time, and stress hormones remain in the blood without having time to completely dissolve. A new day brings a new portion, and the next workout is even more adrenaline rushing. After that, a person naturally feels like a squeezed lemon. If there is enough stress in life, then any kind of physical activity should be left until better times, when the situation stabilizes and the person feels in himself a resource for more intense activities, Volkova is sure. Complex psychological deviations, to which, for example, depression leads, it is important to work out first with a psychologist, and then go to the gym, she concluded.
Pilates, yoga or cardio
It is important for a person to choose the right kind of sport that he is interested in and determine the goal of training, Evgeny Fomin believes. “If a person thinks that he just has to do it for some reason that is not related to his true need, then sports will not help him, but, on the contrary, will drive him into even more stress,” the doctor explains.
A beginner should ask himself what exactly he needs, continues fitness expert Eduard Kanevsky. “If we are talking only about relieving stress, without any serious goals – to reduce body fat, gain muscle, then it is recommended to attend group lessons. For example, water aerobics, dance classes, yoga, Pilates. These activities are especially relevant for women. Martial arts lessons, a gym, a climbing wall and even a shooting range are suitable for men, ”says the specialist.
More often than not, people intuitively choose one or another type of load depending on the level of stress during the day, says Daria Volkova.
“It can be a long walk after a hard day, skating, rollerblading, skiing, depending on the season. When sports are needed not only to train the body, but also to relieve tension, it is worth trying static loads in combination with breathing techniques – yoga, Pilates, ”the doctor explains.
Evgeny Razumny / Vedomosti
Exercise should be systematic, but not excessive, adds Eduard Kanevsky. “Moderate loads – from two to five classes a week, strictly for an hour,” he clarifies. But, for example, with cardio, everything is not so simple. “You can practice relaxed jogging, swimming for fun or cycling, but if the person as a whole quickly becomes addicted to adrenaline and is included in the race for achievement, then this is not his option. When sport turns into an addiction, joint problems can arise due to excessive stress, ”Volkova emphasizes.
But this does not mean at all that triathlon and martial arts are not suitable for anyone, Volkova continues. Many modern specialists in emotional intelligence and positive psychology, according to the doctor, advise choosing a sport based on your emotional state.
