Do You Suffer From SAD?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


LOCAL BOOT CAMP OWNER: THIS FALL AND WINTER, LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH EXERCISE


(ORMOND BEACH, FL November 4, 2010) – Baby, it’s dark outside! As Daylight Savings Time is coming to an end on November 7, we will be in for a long, dark winter. It will be pitch black when we wake up in the morning and just as dark when we get home from work.


Is it any wonder that the shrinking daylight can give us winter blues?


“Shorter periods of light during our waking hours can trigger a seasonal depression commonly known as ‘SAD,’” says Jennifer Labonte, CPT, owner of Adventure Boot Camp in Ormond Beach and Port Orange, FL, citing statistics indicating that between 4 and 6 percent of people in the United States suffer from SAD each year. Another 10 to 20 percent may experience a milder form of a winter-onset depressive disorder.


“It may seem like a low percentage, but those numbers translate into millions of people,” she points out.


Fortunately, the cure for the seasonal blues is easy: exercise! Research published in the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can reduce anxiety and improve mood.

“There are several ways in which being active and fit will make us feel better,” Labonte says. “Exercise releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals such as endorphins, reduces immune system chemicals that can worsen depression, and raises body temperature, which can have calming effects. There are a lot of factors at work here, and they are all good!”

Labonte says that while any regular and consistent physical activity is beneficial, fitness boot camps are especially effective because they encompass a wide variety of exercises that invigorate body and mind.

“Boot camp workouts include cardio, strength, balance, and core training, so all your body parts and systems are put through the paces,” she says. “Plus, you are part of a group where everyone encourages each other. This social aspect is helpful for people who are prone to depression – last thing you want to do is exercise alone.”

All these perks are the reason why boot camps are rated by the ACSM among the top 20 exercise trends for 2011 – as they have been in 2010.

Of course, no matter how good and beneficial an exercise program is, if you suffer from anxiety or depression, working out may be the last thing you want to do – at least until spring!

“When it’s dark outside, you might not feel like going out, but do try to get motivated,” Labonte advises. “Once you do, you will see what a big and positive difference exercise makes to your mood, not to mention health in general.



About Ormond & Port Orange Adventure Boot Camp:
A 14-year veteran in the fitness industry, Jennifer Labonte launched the Ormond Advenure Boot Camp in November 2008. Schedules and client testimonials are available at www.OrmondBootCamp.com. Labonte can be reached at Info@OrmondBootCamp.com or 386-547-9393.