Napercise

     In our increasingly fast-paced, technology-driven world, most adults do not get the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep every night. Things are even worse for those with young children. A recent study revealed that 86% of parents in the United Kingdom complain of fatigue and about 26% get less than 5 hours of sleep every night. To provide exhausted patrons a little relief from their hectic schedules, David Lloyd Clubs, a chain of gyms and fitness centers in Europe, has introduced a napercise class!

     As the name suggests, the hour-long group class, described as a way to "reinvigorate the mind, improve moods, and even burn the odd calorie," does not involve any hard-core exercise. Instead, attendees are guided through 15 minutes of light stretching to help them relax and then encouraged to cuddle under the blankets of a comfortable bed, cover their eyes with an eye mask, and snooze for 45 minutes. With soothing music playing in the background and the room set to the perfect temperature, clients can be assured of the best possible sleep. Napercise classes are currently being offered at just one location. If popular, they will be expanded to other David Lloyd Clubs.

     Though the class sounds like a marketing ploy, nap benefits have been scientifically proven . A study conducted by Pennsylvania's Allegheny College found that midday naps not only help participants feel well-rested, but also enable them to handle stress better. A follow-up study carried out at the University of California at Berkeley concluded that a 45-minute snooze in the middle of the day boosts learning capacity. The good news is that you do not have to make a trip to the U.K. to join this latest exercise trend – you can participate from the comfort of your own bed. So, go ahead and encourage your entire family to try a napercise class, or two, and see if the benefits claimed by experts are true.