Exercise and energy

Exercise and energy:  How to get your life back

Written by: Emma Anius

Instead of taking a trip to the coffee shop every morning and spending the money on a temporary energy burst- why not find an alternative long-term way to get a natural energy boost?

Exercising is a great way to increase your energy levels and decrease feelings of fatigue.  It seems everyone has their own individual excuses as to why they cannot spare 30 minutes a day on exercise.

‘I’m too tired’ and ‘I have no time’ are possibly the two most common excuses I have heard.  Besides all the health benefits that exercise gives you, such as decreasing the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer and also preventing many more conditions from occurring.  Studies have also shown that even among people with chronic illness like cancer or heart disease, exercise can ward off feelings of fatigue and help people feel more energised.

It doesn’t take much but a few minutes of exercise a day to make a huge difference in how much energy you have to put toward getting through your day.  A study undergone in 2008 showed that inactive people who regularly complained of fatigue could increase their energy levels by 20 percent and decrease feelings of fatigue by as much as 65 percent by simply participating in regular, low-intensity exercise.

If you are trying to increase energy levels and have no time to get down to the gym for an hours session, you don’t have to worry, as little as a15 minute walk can do wonders for you energy level.  Always pick an activity you enjoy, if you’re trying to get an energy boost, the last thing you want is a workout you hate as then the time will drag and you will be less likely to participate again. Find something you enjoy like cycling, walking, swimming even a sport such as squash or tennis will give you the same out come, once you’re done you will feel revived and full of energy.

The best time to exercise, is whatever time suits your schedule, you need to chose a time you can maintain; like first thing in the morning, just before lunch or when you get home from work. Try to exercise at least 4 days a week and do not to go more than 1 day without participating in some form of activity so you can build up the habit.

Once you get home if the 1^st thing you normally do is turn on the TV and relax, try to break that habit.  As soon as you get home change into some workout clothes and go for a walk for 15 minutes, short and sweet.   If going for a walk on your own doesn’t sound too appealing, head down to the Aquatics Centre on Monday and Wednesday 6-7 for the ‘Ultimate Carnival Workout’.  Exercise is always a great way of getting back your life and vitality if you find yourself too tired to do anything.

Looking after you body is the key to healthy living

If you have no time to exercise or don’t know where to begin:

Beginner

Push – ups x 10, knee lifts x 10, squats x 10, side lunge x 10, plank x 30 sec

Advanced

Push – ups x 20, knee lifts x 20, squats x 20, side lunge x 20, plank x 60 sec

• For help with the exercises go to www.facebook.com/cyanfitness and view the photos or come down to the Aquatics Centre Monday and Wednesday for the ‘Ultimate Carnival Workout’.

Note: Emma Anius is a Personal Trainer for Cyan Fitness promoting a ‘healthy life and a better you.’

Email: emma@cyanfitness.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cyanfitness