Three 'Teammates' Work Together for Peak Fitness
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Glenn Dickstein Founder NeighborhoodTrainers
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*Originally published in The Epoch Times 5/6/11
Great players have the ability to make average players better. The same can be said for one's body and fitness goals. The high hopes of achieving a championship season in any sport can come crashing down when a star player is lost for an extended period of time.
When it comes to our bodies, our "teammates" are exercise, diet, and sleep. Their relationship to our body's optimal performance are so intertwined and interconnected. It is important to know how each one affects the other.
How Can Sleep Help Diet and Exercise Habits? Adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. The boundless benefits of sleep influence how well we do so many things daily. Sleep helps people make sharper decisions, be more focused, more organized, and more productive.
If you get a good night's sleep, you'll wake up rested and refreshed. However, doing so just once in a while is not going to give you the full benefit. Develop a consistent sleep pattern, including a regular bedtime. Turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed. Pick up a book to help clear your head of the day's stresses.
For instance, if you get more sleep, you'll have more energy for things like exercise. When the body is rested, it wants to be more active and wants to take more action. We're not talking about running a marathon, but you may be more apt to take the stairs up a few floors instead of the elevator, encourage a walk with a colleague, or spend a little extra time in the gym trying some new exercises.
Plus, better sleep can help you make better decisions at mealtime. There is no meal more important than breakfast. After a night of not eating, your body craves a nutritious breakfast. If you've had a good night's sleep, the decision to have a nutritious breakfast is made easier because you are not exhausted and reaching for what is most convenient.
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Eggs are a great source of protein. Throw some vegetables in them and have a nice omelet with a piece of whole-wheat toast. Your body will say thank you!
How Can Exercise Help Sleep and Diet? Exercise is often the scariest part for many and often the greatest laggard of the three "mates." For some reason, people don't want to do it. People have to sleep and have to eat, yet most people don't do them as well as needed. Exercise could help.
If you are tired at work and don't want to fall asleep at your desk, take a five minute walk. That's simple exercise, and it wakes you up. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity per day. If you're not there yet, slowly work up to this as your goal.
Exercise helps get your heart rate up; it gets the blood flowing. It increases the oxygen circulating throughout the body. Transition that idea to exercising consistently several times a week.
Exercise is about strengthening read more...
Email Glenn with any questions or comments.
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