The amount of sleep you get can directly affect your body weight and your ability to perform to your maximum while working out.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep is essential for a person’s health and well-being. Unfortunately, reports show that catching some zzz’s has become a luxury for many Americans rather than a priority.

The good news is studies suggest that regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster, sleep longer and wake up less frequently during the night. Even just 20 minutes of exercise a day will help you when hitting the sack.

Here are some facts from the exercise experts at Life Fitness about how getting beauty rest actually affects your workout.

On December 25th, 2008, Ben Davis decided to get his life together. He weighed 360 pounds and was a miserable person. Then he started jogging….

Everyone dreams of having abs of steel. Often referred to as a six-pack, toned abdominal muscles take true effort to achieve. It requires specific muscle sculpting that targets your core combined with intense cardio to burn off any layers of fat covering your muscles.

For an extra boost of cardio, try doing intervals instead of your normal routine. Intervals are periodic bursts of intense cardio alternated with a recovery period. Numerous studies back up the idea that intervals will not only improve your fitness level, but burn more calories, and therefore fat, than moving at a steady pace consistently. Give it a try; hop on the treadmill or the elliptical and do a 30-minute interval program five days a week to start burning off fat that may be hiding your ab muscles.

For strength exercises, try these three proven-to-work core moves recommended by the exercise experts at Life Fitness three times a week to sculpt a great six-pack:

For years, health promoters have been racking their brains trying to come up with persuasive reasons for Americans to be more physically active.

Well here’s a new one that’s sure to get some attention: Men who exercise are less likely to experience sexual dysfunction as they get older.

Bored with your cardio routine? Need something new to keep your workouts fresh? If you are thinking about purchasing an elliptcal trainer for cardiovascular training during the upcoming fall and winter season, the new Octane Q37 and Q47 with the CI console, combine low impact cardiovascular and strength training in the same workout to maximize your results with an effective, efficient exercise regime.

Octane, manufacturer of the world’s most popular elliptical has outdone themselves this time! This revolutionary workout program alternates on-machine cardio intervals with off-machine strength sets for every area that needs attention. In just one workout session you can build cardiovascular endurance and shape and tone your body with both upper body, lower body and core strengthening exercises. It’s the ultimate cross-training experience!

Use the Q37ci or Q47Ci and add the optional Cross Circuit kit that includes additional powerbands and side platforms to further enhance your training effort. With one machine and one workout you can work out efficiently to be the best you can be. To try out the new Cross Circuit Program on the Octane Q37ci and Q47ci, stop by your local HealthStyles today for a test ride!

Octane Q Series with Cross Circuit + Video: