Issue Date: December 7, 2003
Tired?
Exercise boosts energy
The last thing you may want to do when you're tired is exercise, but just try it. Going for a walk, taking an aerobics class or playing a sport actually can perk you up.
All that oxygen pumping into your cells during exercise immediately fuels your body and brain. Continued exercise builds lean body mass, reduces fat mass and literally makes a body more efficient at carrying its weight around.
Energy-building tips for exercisers
Drink water. Studies show 80% of regular exercisers begin workouts dehydrated. Water helps carry energizing oxygen through the body, so drink up before you work out.
Stretch. Weight-bearing exercises and sports cause muscles to contract and stay contracted, blocking blood flow and trapping lactic acid. You want to get rid of lactic acid, because it's what causes the "burn" during exercise and aching muscles later. Stretching your muscles opens blood vessels, increases blood flow and removes lactic acid. A new form of training -- classical stretch, which is used by the amazingly fit Cirque du Soleil performers -- stretches the entire body in unison instead of pinpointing a specific muscle group. Also try massage, yoga and meditation.
Still tired? See a doctor to rule out an illness.
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