Curves - Exercise can stop winter making you SAD!
Do the dark winter months leave you feeling down?
You are not alone.
There is something special about sunshine at this time of year. It may be much weaker and less warming than during the summer months, but that somehow makes it so much more precious. But when the weather turns bad, eight hours of indifferent daylight can make for gloomy conditions across Scotland.
Towards the end of the year, many of us may mildly experience the onset of ‘Winter Blues’ or symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
What Are The Symptoms? It may affect each of us in different ways but generally speaking symptoms may include:
· Lethargy
· Fatigue
· Carbohydrate craving
· Increased appetite
· Sleepiness
· Weight gain
What Causes This?
Before the advent of artificial lighting we used to wake with the dawn and go to sleep when it got dark. The effects of disrupting that natural cycle are well known to jet-lagged air travelers and to night shift workers.
The hypothalamus in the brain registers changes in light entering the eye to the retina. Decreasing light levels cause the hypothalamus to adjust its response to various body mechanisms: sleep, appetite, mood and activity.
For many of us the symptoms are very slight. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects about 20 percent of the population, mainly from December to February.
How Can Exercise Help?
Physical activity releases chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, which elevate mood. People get a sense of achievement from exercise and can become more resilient to stress. Participating in regular physical activity such as strength training 3 times-per-week:
· Raises metabolism
· Helps to control weight and appetite
· Defends your immune system
· Increases fitness levels and
· Improves mood
Follow These Rules To Beat The ‘Winter Blues’!
To enable you to enjoy the winter months it’s important to eat healthily - this will help maintain your weight and ward off the winter bugs. Regular exercise will keep your mood elevated and you feeling good about yourself. If you don’t feel like exercising, try working out with a friend and remind yourself how good you will look and feel in your Christmas party clothes!
How Do I Fit Exercise Into My Busy Schedule?
Curves is a facility specially designed for women that features a complete 30 minute workout and weight management program that is fun, fast, and safe. Our unique circuit system is designed for busy ladies who want to get fit, but don’t have all day to spend doing it. Our members see fantastic results every month… and you could too!
To find out more about our program and to see how Curves can help you to achieve your fitness goals pop in or give us a call when it is convenient for you. We are located at 21 Gateside Street, Hamilton, Tel: 01698 207 700. We are also looking forward to opening new premises in Uddingston in January 2007! Please visit www.curves.com for more details about what Curves has to offer.
Lesley Murphy.
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