Baptist Family Fitness member Ceena Babukutty (left) works out with personal trainer Cortne Hunt.

Baptist Family Fitness member Ceena Babukutty (left) works out with personal trainer Cortne Hunt.Nearly everyone feels stress from time to time, but the holidays can be particularly demanding. Schedules are busier. Responsibilities are greater. And time management can seem very challenging.

Exercise specialists like Cortne Hunt at Baptist Family Fitness say making time for yourself is one of the best gifts you can give.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season,” said Hunt. “But taking time for your body is important.”

Stress is the body’s response to challenging situations or circumstances. If the body is stressed too much, it may suffer these harmful effects:

• Slowed digestion.
• Rapid breathing.
• Elevated blood pressure.
• Tensed muscles.

Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can help fight stress.

“The benefits are numerous,” said Hunt. “Exercise can improve not only your physical health, but also your mental health by restoring balance, improving clarity and calming nerves.”

Regular exercise can benefit the body in these ways:

• Strengthening the heart and lungs.
• Controlling weight.
• Improving sleep quality.
• Reducing stress.
• Improving concentration.
• Elevating self-esteem.

Baptist Family Fitness offers exercise classes including yoga, BodyPump^®, aerobics and cycling, as well as personal training sessions. Packages can be tailored to meet individual and group needs. To learn more, visit westernbaptist.com and click on “Services” in the left navigation bar and then “Baptist Family Fitness.” Or phone (270) 443-PLAY (7529).