After Exercise, Relax

New research suggests that about 30 minutes of daily moderate activity can help you sleep better. Just don’t do it within three hours of bedtime, because the energizing effects of exercise might keep you up. For more information on physical activity for older adults, download: health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/paguide.pdf.       

Gentle activities an hour or so before bed — yoga, stretching — can also help relax the body: “It could be as simple as breathing slowly and deeply for 60 seconds,” said Michael Rogers, an exercise scientist and the clinical director at the Center for Physical Activity and Aging at Wichita State.

Establish a before-bed routine: “It could be taking a bath, reading, listening to soft music,” Mr. Rogers said. “I have even heard of people doing their diary entries before they go to bed.”

This is a good article because it’s really important to relax after working out. We harp on this all the time at Fitness Together for good reason.  If you can’t relax and fall asleep soundly, that can be detrimental to what you’re trying to achieve with the workout itself.

Brian Knowles