Everyone has some sort of stress in their life. It could come from work, social issues, family, financial, health and all different areas I may not have touched on. But we all have some stress in our lives, some more than others. Plus we all deal with stress in a different manner.
Working out, either a cardio or weight lifting reduces stress a lot. My question is, when you work out knowing there is stress in your life, do you use it as a focal point in order to get rid of the stress or do you just focus on the workout itself so that you forget about the stress.
I have done both depending on the situation. Sometimes I am mad and take my workout on this issue and I get a super intense workout. Other situations make me totally forget what I am stressed about and working out gives me a sense of calm. Let me know how you deal with this issue of stress and your workout.

Yes, sometimes I'm pretty much the same. We have a treadmill, and we have a membership to the local Y, so as long as those are paid, I have no excuse to be bored all day. There's at least an hour I can work-out )well, the actual work-out isn't that long, but after the drive to and from the Y, the shower, etc). But, more than dwell on my stresses, I have just been trying to focus on the workout more and more, and not worry so much about the other stuff I don't necessarily have control over at the moment. I think it is helping in every aspect of my life, so far.

Today I felt especially stressed out. Even though yesterday was my free day, I went for a long bike ride. I guess it did my legs in cause I was shaking all day and really had no problems or issues to deal with. Go figure. Maybe it wasn't stress just stressed muscles.

I think it's an excellent question Martin, and I've certainly used both approaches in the past.
I'd say 3 things on the subject ... ONE: Don't just rely on workouts to de-stress - also enjoy relaxing baths, relaxing music, walks in nature, growing something, meditation, etc ... TWO: Don't forget that if you focus too much on the (perceived) source of your stress; that's where you're living in that moment - and the more you think about it, the more time you spend in it. THREE: The more you concentrate your attention on other things, the less you're concentrating on proper form and cadence during your weights workout - and the more likely you are to injure yourself and put yourself out of action for days if not weeks - trust me, the frustration of NOT being able to workout (especially if it's through your own stupidity or lack of attention) will add GREATLY to your stress levels ! ... Kinda counter-productive, don't you think ?!! :0)

Good Question, Martin. I definitely focus on the workout. That destresses me. If the workout is with weights I really have to focus on them to make sure I'm doing them right. If the workout is cardio, it may take a little longer, but eventually the endorphins push the stressful thoghts out of my miind. I used to wrestle with the thought of going to the gym after work, using stress as an excuse. Now the more that I'm stressed, the more I force myself to go workout knowing that it make me feel better afterwards.

Thanks to everyone for the follow up. I need a bit of an attitude change as you can tell from my "Main Page". Gloomraider- thanks for the de-stressing tips. Your insight is always appreciated.

Hi Martin;
I agree with Paul (Gloomraider) ...the more you focus on the stress the more you fuel it.
I aim to keep my workouts a stress free zone....But if I am feeling tension about something I do a ritual at the beginning: I envision that the sweat is stress (insert pain, anger, sadness...) leaving my body. It gives me extra incentive to sweat HARD!!!
I also encourage you to do at least some of your exercise in a beautiful natural setting outdoors. I find it impossible to stay stressed when I'm in nature.
Lastly, our workouts are just one part of being active. Infact, I just see it as the ticket to an active life. Recreation is really important to balancing our life stresses. Likewise with hobbies. It's something kind of underated in this generation, and I really believe it's important to our well-being.