Even if you are one of those people who couldn’t get enough of the festivities and celebrations, you are probably feeling tired by now.
Let’s face it: all this holidaying can be pretty exhausting.
What do you do if you feel worn out and dragged out? Do you reach for that extra cup of coffee, an energy drink, or — even worse — a candy bar?
All you probably want to do is curl up and sleep the rest of the year away. But here is what scientific studies and anecdotal evidence tell us: Exercise, not hibernation, is the best fatigue-busting and energy-boosting technique.
Research has found people who participate in physical activity decrease their tiredness level by as much as 60 percent and increase their energy by 20 percent.
Exercise energizes and recharges not only your body, but also your mind. There is no better way to invigorate you from head to toe.
What are the best pick-me-up exercises? Virtually anything that keeps you moving at a brisk pace and increases your heart rate will be effective. Walking, biking, jogging, swimming, doing jumping jacks, even dancing and rope-skipping, will rev you up.
Fitness boot camps are excellent energy boosters because they combine a variety of cardiovascular, strength, endurance, speed, agility, and flexibility workouts. Start at your own level, however, no matter what you do.
Whatever exercises you choose, it’s preferable to schedule your workout first thing in the morning. Exercising any time during the day is beneficial, but if you tire easily, you may not feel motivated to exercise later in the day. But if you start early, you will create energy that lasts all day.
And, as an added bonus, a morning workout will raise your metabolism that will burn calories throughout the day.
Another energy-bolstering tip is eating a healthy breakfast. You probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day — and it’s true. A nutritional breakfast should ideally include a serving of whole grains, low-fat protein and dairy, as well as fruit.
Skipping breakfast may make you binge later in the day, when hunger pangs strike. Not only will you feel tired, but also probably end up eating something that you can quickly grab on the go, like junk food.
And it’s no secret that eating too much junk food, which is full of saturated fats, as well as sugar or salt, will leave you feeling sluggish and fatigued — exactly the opposite of what you want to accomplish.
Group fitness trainer and figure competitor Natalie Lahnan launched Naples Adventure Boot Camp in April 2010, and recently added a Marco Island location. Lahnan is a certified adventure boot camp instructor with 17 years experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Information: NaplesAdventureBootCamp@yahoo.com or
(239) 776-2162.
Original Article:
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/jan/03/looking-get-fit-heres-some-advice/
