The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible begins the third chapter with: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” I think this is especially relevant for the month of January, because the holiday season is now past, and it’s time for many things to begin anew. For example, the pruning season of fruit trees that have been dormant for several months will soon begin. Baseball season starts in a few months, and many players will be restarting their training. And for most of us, it’s time to reorient ourselves away from holiday mode, and back to business as usual again.

What does the changing of seasons have to do with exercise? The answer: a lot. Our bodies need periodic rests to maintain optimal function. Studies show that even highly motivated people who start an exercise program seldom sustain it if they do not allow their bodies to rest. The February 2010 issue of Runners World Magazine contains an excellent article titled “The Slow Road.” The author discusses the importance of slowing down when engaging in exercise. I recommend a practice called Exercise Periodization to ensure the benefits of rest are incorporated into a fitness program.

When January hits, my body likes me to take it a little easier with my exercise program. I usually gain a pound or two during this time of year, and I am a little less active. As the days gets longer and the sun shines brighter (usually the second week of February), I am back to my full exercise program workouts again. I have discovered this period of less exercise makes sustaining my exercise program over time much easier.