Source: David C. Poole, 785-532-4529, dcpoole@k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/dpoolebio.html
News release prepared by: Jessica Clark, 785-532-6415

Tuesday, December 3, 2002

DON'T LET WINTER BLUES CURB EXERCISE AND FITNESS GOALS

MANHATTAN -- It's cold and blustery out and all you want to do is curl up in a warm blanket, watch a good movie and worry about exercise when warm weather comes back around.

Staying in shape during the cold winter months is tough, but a Kansas State University fitness educator says keeping fit all year long is possible and very rewarding, both physically and psychologically.

David Poole, a professor of kinesiology and anatomy and physiology, says just three 10-minute bouts of exercise a day can increase metabolism and improve mood, overall fitness and health.

"Studies in the past encouraged exercising for at least 30 minutes to increase caloric expenditure, burn fat and improve cardiovascular fitness, but recent studies have found breaking up the 30 minutes of continuous exercise into three 10-minute bouts have equal improvements in fitness and metabolism," Poole said.

Poole said exercising for 10 minutes at a time allows for outdoor walks or other forms of exercise without being in the cold for long periods of time. For exercising outdoors, he suggests drinking plenty of water and wearing appropriate running gear -- clothing that keeps heat in and allows moisture to get out and away from the body.

To avoid the cold weather, there are many indoor ways to exercise such as listening to music and dancing, following along with videotapes and exercising at recreation centers. Following a fitness routine with a friend is also a good way to stay committed to exercising, Poole said.

"The holidays often get people thinking about their fitness and weight because they worry about the snacks and foods they consume," he said. "People may diet during the holiday season instead of exercising daily, which actually decreases their metabolism. The body switches to starvation mode and then when you do actually eat, the calories are preserved as fat.

"I would suggest exercising in two to three small bouts a day or 20 small bouts a week, with five or six of these focused on strength and the rest on cardiovascular. By following this routine, you can stay fit and avoid crash dieting and dreading the longer 30-minute workouts."

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