.png){kind=small}
Optimize Your Workouts with These Trainer-Endorsed Tips for the Clock Shift
Open Enrollment runs from November 1st to January 15th.
Secure cost-effective, all-inclusive health insurance for 2024 and ensure your well-being is a top priority.
As the clocks spring forward or fall back, many fitness enthusiasts grapple with the effects of daylight saving time on their training routines. With these trainer-approved tips, you can adjust seamlessly and maintain peak performance throughout the transition.
Gradually Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
Start adjusting your bedtime by 10-15 minutes earlier or later (depending on the direction of the shift) in the days leading up to daylight saving time. This helps ease your body into the new timing and reduces feelings of fatigue during your workouts.
Modify Your Workout Intensity
Given that our bodies might feel out of sync immediately after the time change, it's prudent to adjust workout intensities. Consider lighter workouts or active recovery sessions in the first few days after the change.
"According to the American Sleep Association, 55% of adults report feeling extra groggy during the week following the daylight saving time shift."
Stay Hydrated
Hydration plays a pivotal role in how we feel and perform during physical activities. Ensure you're drinking adequate water to help with potential circadian rhythm disruptions.
Opt for Morning Workouts
Consistent morning exercise, as per a 2019 study, can help in resetting our body’s internal clock, making it easier to adapt to new schedules. If you're not a morning person, try shifting your routine gradually until you find a time that feels right.
Listen to Your Body
More than ever, during this period, it's essential to pay attention to how you feel. If you're more fatigued than usual, it might be worth taking an extra rest day.
Nutrition is Key
Consuming a balanced meal 1-2 hours before your workout can provide the energy needed to power through. Remember, it's not just about what you eat but when you eat, especially when your routine gets shaken up by an hour.
Stay Consistent
While it might be tempting to skip a day or two due to the time change fatigue, maintaining consistency in your workout routine can help your body adjust faster.
Seek Virtual Guidance
If you're struggling, consider joining an online fitness class or downloading a fitness app that offers guidance and motivation. Many platforms cater specifically to challenges like daylight saving time shifts.
Embrace the change and adapt your fitness routine accordingly. With these tips, not only can you stay on top of your fitness goals, but you'll also ensure a smoother transition for your body's internal clock during daylight saving time.
Comments