Make Your Hours Count

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10/18/2011
General Exercise
On the first Sunday of November, the annual Daylight Savings Time ‘fall back, spring forward’ ritual officially welcomes the fall season, and that means it will get darker earlier. As summer’s light fades, make sure to squeeze the most exercise opportunities out of the remaining daylight hours.

On the first Sunday of November, the annual Daylight Savings Time ‘fall back, spring forward’ ritual officially welcomes the fall season, and that means it will get darker earlier. As summer’s light fades, make sure to squeeze the most exercise opportunities out of the remaining daylight hours.

With less sunshine time, many people feel less energized and sometimes even a little depressed. The body produces more melatonin during the darker months, which can cause you to feel lethargic. Exercise triggers endorphins (feel-good brain chemicals) that can elevate the mood, increase confidence, relieve stress and calm the mind.

Set a Regular Schedule
Set a regular workout schedule, such as lunchtime or another daytime time slot, and keep it as a daily appointment. It’s not necessary to work out for 60 minutes every day to reap the benefits; try fitting just 30 minutes of exercise into your day. If you’re short on time, focus your time on high-intensity strength training – a good strength training session can be completed in a shorter period of time than a cardio session.

Shorter days mean that your early morning or evening workout may now be happening in the dark. Take precautions like wearing bright colors or reflective gear, working out with a buddy or group, and always keeping a form of ID with you to make safety a priority.

 

 

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