David Lloyd Clubs is trialling a multi-sensory fitness and wellbeing class that incorporates light therapy and HIIT exercises for those feeling the effects of the winter blues.
Vitamin Me is a 30-minute mood-enhancing session that also consists of familiar sights, sounds and smells of summer and has been designed to tackle Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). British summertime comes to an end this weekend.
On arrival guests are greeted to sun loungers, the scent of sun cream, the sounds of waves and a sand pit to dip their feet into.
Gentle stretches open the class, followed by light therapy for 15 minutes to help improve mood and energy levels. The class ends with a high intensity 10-minute cardio session.
According to the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association, about 21 per cent of the UK population experience some symptoms of SAD, which can cause discomfort and a noticeable change in mood - known as the winter blues. For a further 8 per cent, SAD is a much more serious illness which prevents normal function without appropriate treatment.
For those suffering with the winter blues, the clocks going back and shorter days leave them feeling lethargic, finding it difficult to concentrate and with an increased appetite.
Psychologist and SAD expert Elaine Slater said: “It’s a complex condition that recurs each year, most likely triggered by a lack of natural daylight in winter. It affects levels of the hormones melatonin and serotonin in the part of the brain controlling mood, sleep and appetite; our circadian rhythms. Long periods of gloomy skies and longer darker evenings can trigger low mood, sleep problems, overeating and anxiety.
“Light therapy helps to improve mood and feel more energised, and the 20 minutes of light therapy during the Vitamin Me class is the ideal time for people to sit in the light of a SAD lamp.”
According to a poll of 2,000 people by David Lloyd Clubs, 41 per cent said the clocks going back changes their mood for the worse.
Linden Henson, David Lloyd Club Hampton general manager, said: “We are always looking for innovative classes to introduce to our clubs that really benefit our members. When we discovered that 41 per cent of people suffered due to the change in weather and daylight hours, we wanted to introduce a class that helped combat those feelings and so the Vitamin Me class was developed.”
The classes will be held at David Lloyd Hampton this weekend (Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October). If successful, the operator will look into rolling out the class across the UK during the winter months.
