Sleep On It

The best training program will be totally useless if proper rest is neglected. Without proper sleep, there is not enough rest for essential muscle growth and repair. It's a well known fact that muscles grow during rest not while working out. In fact, when you sleep, growth hormone is produced which enhances the bodies ability to grow muscle and burn fat. Sleep also affects performance during high intensity training.

Lack of sleep can also affect your mood and elevate hormonal stress levels which could affect your overall fitness. Researchers have shown a direct link between limited sleep and weight gain. We all sometime don't get enough sleep and probably aren't permanently affected, however, several days in a row or a few weeks of interrupted sleep can lead to symptoms similar to over-training syndrome.

Tips To A Good Night Sleep

• Exercise or work hard during the day. People who exercise tend to sleep better compared to those who don't.
• Sleep area should be comfortable and calm. A pleasant ambiance will make you sleep more restful. Calm music may also work to create a relaxing environment. Try sleeping without the t.v. or radio to give your subconscious a rest.
• Try not to exercise prior to sleeping. Try relaxing the body to create a state more conducive to sleep.

Your training, growth, and recovery can be seriously affected if you fail to get proper rest. So if you want to get the best results from your training, make sure you get enough sleep. Thanks for your ear and keep reading!