This is a sponsored post by Knix.
The holidays are here and that means spending time with family and friends, indulging in holiday treats and relaxing by the fire or watching classic holiday movies. It’s great to unwind after a long year. But soon, the calendar will change and the New Year will be upon us. Did you know that the most popular New Year’s resolutions according to Psychology Today are to lose weight and exercise more? I know that losing weight is at the top of my 2019 resolutions. I thought I would share some useful exercise tips, which I plan to follow myself.
Don’t Overdo Cardio
Vince Sant, the co-founder and lead trainer of V Shred, says that one of the most important exercise tips is not to do too much cardio. Instead of “2 hours on the elliptical,” he recommends a “30-minute cardio session followed by light weights and circuit training.” Doing too much cardio will quickly exhaust you and won’t leave you with enough energy to strengthen your muscles.
Exercise in the Morning or Evening?
Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar uses Ayurvedic principles to suggest that morning exercise is preferable. Dr. Kshirsagar states in his book, Change Your Schedule, Change Your Life: “When you are physically active, the body logically assumes that it’s daytime…intense exercise close to bedtime delay[s] the production of melatonin,” making it harder to go to sleep. Exercising at night confuses the body’s natural circadian rhythm. I used to exercise at the Y after work so perhaps this was delaying my melatonin production? I know that I did have a light meal after my workout, which meant that I was eating later at night and that’s not advisable.
Stretching Before and After Exercise
Did you know that it’s just as important to stretch after your workout as it is before? When I was a regular runner, I always stretched before a run, but didn’t usually stretch afterwards. Perhaps that’s why my muscles were stiff for a few days. Men’s Journal explains that as you exercise, your muscles contract and are left in a “shortened state”. Stretching after exercise resets your body’s “natural position and posture”. Not stretching after exercise may result in muscle stiffness.
Regular Moderate Exercise vs. Intense Exercise
Dr. Kshirsagar explains that taking slow deep breaths connects the brain and heart, our body’s two most important organs. Daily exercise, even gentle exercise, causes us to take slow deep breaths. If you feel tired at the end of the day, it’s most likely because your brain and tissues are “starved of oxygen”. Dr. Kshirsagar says even a “short daily morning walk will get your breath going, get prana into your body.” He much prefers moderate daily exercise versus intense exercise sessions two or three times a week because intense exercise leaves you feeling exhausted and less energized and you’ll be more likely to skip the gym for a few days.
Exercising on Your Period
Some of us women may feel a bit concerned about exercising when we have our periods. Some women say that exercising helps reduce cramps. If you want some added protection while exercising, Knix leakproof boyshorts are made with a lining that absorbs up to three teaspoons of excess moisture so that you don’t have to worry about leaking through your exercise pants.
I hope the above exercise tips have been helpful. Have a wonderful holiday and hope 2019 brings great health and wonderful memories!
Great tips – I’m really planning to take control of my health and fitness this year so will be sure to keep this all in mind! xx
I also want to improve my fitness this year! Cheers, Lori
I enjoyed the reminder and all your tips. All the hymns will be busy for January
Oh yes, the gyms are usually packed in January…not so much February lol. Cheers, Lori
These are great tips! I need to get myself back to the gym after taking two weeks off. I will be taking these tips with me!
It’s always hard to get back into a routine, but at least you know everyone else will be doing the same thing. Cheers, Lori
I just stick to jogging and hope for the best. So far, my pants keep closing! Granted, I do want to start lifting weights since my arms are getting flabby.
Jogging provides a great workout! Yes, weights are good for firming up arms! Cheers, Lori
I need to switch around my times of when I walk. I usually do any exercise in the evening and I’m going to try to switch that to the morning. I am sure your tips are going to help me keep my new year’s resolutions.
Sometimes it’s hard to squeeze in exercise! I know I would rather be working in the morning when I’m fresh, but I’m going to try and workout earlier as well! Cheers, Lori
Great tips and answers to things I am always asking about when to exercise and stretching benefits. I do my cardio so weight training is a smart idea to add to my routine.
I have to start doing weight training again too! Cheers, Lori
I really enjoyed reading this post. These are really helpful tips. I tend to exercise in the morning.
Thank you. I intend to follow them myself! Cheers, Lori
These are all such wonderful tips. I normally work out in the morning because I feel I do best then. I also think working out towards night time isn’t the best idea.
Yes, as it turns out, working out at night is not a great idea because it delays melatonin production! Cheers, Lori
What great tips! Especially right now when it’s on everyone’s mind. Great to go into it with all the help we can get. i will for sure be using your tips!
I will be following them myself, Jeanine! Cheers, Lori
I have a very active lifestyle, but I do need to actually work out too. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Being active really helps, but yes, it’s good to hit the gym as well. Cheers, Lori
I am not a fan of exercise. HOWEVER, I am into Tai Chi and I am doing pretty well at it. Maybe that will branch into something else!
Tai Chi is great. I tried it a few years ago. Very gentle and mindful! Cheers, Lori
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