Millers Fitness March 2014 | Page 38

Section 10 .. Lifestyle matters Whatever your health and fitness goals are whether you are looking to burn off unwanted body fat, Increase muscular strength and energy levels, competing for sporting events or just generally improve your quality of life some key factors to take into account…. 1) Sleep! Magic happens while you are sleeping this is the time for the body to repair the muscle fibres and improve cognitive skills, you do not become fitter during your workouts! Your fitness levels increase while you are at rest, failing to get adequate amounts of sleep in your life will impair your health and fitness results and can also lead to weakened immune system, depression, stress and heart problems. Aim for around 6-8 hours sleep a day, if you are still yawning throughout the day this is a sign you are not sleeping long enough. If your struggle to sleep, ensure caffeine levels are kept to a minimal and consumed no later than 4pm, also try minimalizing computer time or time spent looking at a screen ( Cell phones, TV) as these suppresses the production of melatonin the major hormone that controls sleep patterns!