Spring in your body: Recovery & Exercise during the transition to summer time

The switch to summer time briefly disrupts our biorhythms. Your internal clock gets upset for a while: you sleep less deeply, feel more sluggish during the day and your recovery capacity is just a little less optimal. Especially for people with a busy (working) life or athletes who already train intensively, this can be noticeable.

At the same time, spring offers just the right ingredients to boost your health:

More daylight stimulates the production of serotonin (good for your mood) and helps regulate your sleep rhythm.

Sunlight produces vitamin D, which is important for your muscles, bones and immune system.

Mild temperatures make it easier to move around outside without getting overheated or chilled immediately.

Recovery does not always mean taking rest. In fact, light to moderate exercise helps your body recover better. Think walking, cycling, stretching exercises or a quiet gym session. This stimulates circulation, the removal of toxins and your overall energy level.

Our tips for moving well into spring:

• Choose regularity. Exercise for 30 minutes 4 times a week rather than 2 hours once a week.
  Build up your intensity slowly. Especially if you have been less active in winter.
• Listen to your body. Fatigue, stiffness or aches and pains? Adjust your activity, but keep moving.
• Take advantage of daylight. Go outside in the morning or early evening to support your rhythm.
• Hydrate. With rising temperatures and more activity, your body loses more fluids.

The transition to summer time (and wintertime) is a perfect time to take another look at your exercise routine. Do you feel you are struggling to get going, keep suffering from aches and pains or would you like to tackle your recovery in a smarter way? At Fysio Fitaal, we would like to help you further - with a plan that suits you.