Winter time fitness. It can be a challenge

11/25/2016

Well summer left us a few weeks ago and we are now left with less sunlight and an early evening darkness. This time of year is hibernation time for most of us and tends to be a period of relaxation and regeneration. It fits into the natural cycle of of nature......

But in the modern world we can't go to sleep for 3 months!

Maintaining your fitness program during this time of year can be a real challenge. If we want to keep our active lifestyle we are going to have to modify a few things in our lives so we can keep doing what we like and need to do!

First let' start at the beginning:

Don't eat late.

Especially after 8:00 PM. If you do eat have to eat after 8:00 PM limit yourself to protein, vegetables or salad's. No carbohydrates. Why? Because they are sugars and sugars store in fat. Protein and vegetables not as much

Practice good sleep habits. This is tricky. Why? We get home late. We eat late, We watch TV to catch up on our latest favorite episodes. Eating late and watching TV keep your brain active. You can record TV shows and then watch it at lunch or during a break in your day. Also turn of any lights ( computers, phones, cable boxes ) these "blue lights" can affect your deep REM sleep patterns.

Plan your meals. Plan what you are going to eat. Eating whatever doesn't work. So when your awake you'll know what your sources of fuel will be and you'll be able to plan your meals more efficiently. By planning you'll be minimizing hunger pangs and limit making poor food choices which can impact your fitness efforts.

Take breaks. If you own your own business that can be quite easy. If you don't then try and find time in your day to sneak a 7 -12 min "eyes closed shut" place so that you can calm your mind and re-energize your body.

Stay consistent with your fitness routine. It's very easy to stop training due to because it's dark in the morning, we didn't get enough sleep, we had or will have a busy day. Sometimes we do need to rest. But most times we need to stay the course and maintain our consistency. So when you think you can't get up you can. Sleeping in an extra 5 min can have you sacrificing 50 min of good healthy physical activity that can help you manage your healthy lifestyle better. Our sessions are designed ( 1-1 training and small group training ) to get the max stimulation for your body which leaves enough time for you to get your fitness in and go home and prepare for the day or next day.

Maintaining health and fitness is not easy. But it is a necessary endeavor to help us maintain mental and physical acuity and a sense of well being.

Hope this helps.

Yours in health.

Next Level
A. Pigott