Sleep Experts Say Exercise Before Bedtime OK

Early-morning exercise not your thing? It doesn't have to be, according to the National Sleep Foundation. 

USA Today reports exercising during the four hours before you go to bed doesn't necessarily hinder slumber. 

The 2013 Sleep in America Poll, released Monday, March 4, finds people who exercise at any time of day report sleeping better and feeling more rested than those who don't exercise. It also finds people who exercise in the last four hours before bedtime report sleeping just as well as those exercising earlier in the day.

The idea that exercise late in the day negatively affects sleep was always based on conjecture and anecdote, the report says. The theory was that the stimulation of exercise, combined a rise in body temperature, would keep people awake.

Jessica Matthews, a fitness instructor and personal trainer who is a spokeswoman for the American Council on Exercise, tells USA Today that her advice has evolved as it's become clearer that different times work for different people. She suggests people who want to try exercise later in the day give it a try — and experiment with the timing, intensity and type of workout to see what feels right.

Looking for a fitness center or exercise classes? The Barrow Patch directory and events calendar can help. 

Here's a list of local fitness centers: 

• Anytime Fitness in Winder
• Brad Akins YMCA in Winder
• Redefined Fitness in Winder
• Anytime Fitness in Auburn

And here are some exercise classes happening this week: 

Wednesday 

• Yoga at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church 
• Zumba at Studio One

Thursday 

• Fit Stretch, Senior Fitness and Zumba with Marina at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church 
• Zumba and Pilates at Studio One
• Zumba at Redefined Fitness

Friday 

• Insane Cardio with Tracy, Muscle Madness, Yoga, Zumba with Marina at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church 

Saturday 

• Kenpo Kickboxing with Tracy, Family Friendly Zumba with Nicole, and Yoga at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church 
• Zumba at Redefined Fitness

For more upcoming fitness classes, click here to check out the full events calendar. Don't see a class listed? Add it now! 

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