Recognise the signs that tell you when you might need to exercise

Regular exercise goes a long way in helping to maintain good physical and mental health. If you pay attention to your body and mind, they will often give you subtle signs indicating when you might need to exercise. Here’s a “heads-up” on some of the common signs that suggest it’s time to get moving:

Low energy and fatigue: If you constantly feel tired and lack energy throughout the day, it may be a sign that your body needs some physical activity to boost circulation and energy levels.

Mood swings and irritability: Regular exercise can help release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. If you find yourself feeling moody or irritable, it could be an indicator that exercise would be beneficial.

Weight gain or difficulty maintaining weight: If you notice a gradual increase in weight or have trouble maintaining a healthy weight, incorporating exercise into your routine can help manage weight more effectively.

Slow digestion: Yup! If you feel constipated this could be a sign that you are also not exercising enough, not just that you are eating less fibrous food. Exercise helps improve the efficiency of the digestive system. The body’s digestive process slows down with lack of exercise.

Poor sleep quality: Regular physical activity can improve sleep quality. If you are experiencing difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, exercise can assist in promoting better sleep patterns.

Increased stress and anxiety: Exercise is a natural stress reliever and can help reduce anxiety levels. If you find yourself feeling more stressed than usual, engaging in physical activity might help alleviate some of that tension.

Never feeling full after meals: If you are continually feeling hungry it could be a sign that you are not getting enough exercise. Interestingly, if you don’t exercise, your body starts to feel tired and can produce a hormone called ‘ghrelin’ which regulates our hunger sensors. An excess of ghrelin causes an increase in appetite.

You seek the closest parking spot to the supermarket entrance: (go on..be honest!) A sure sign that you don’t feel like walking those few extra metres because it feels like ‘too much effort’. Nonsense! Doing more exercise actually encourages you to be more active in other aspects of your day.

Muscle stiffness and joint discomfort: Sedentary behaviour can lead to muscle stiffness and joint discomfort. Moving your body through exercise can help improve flexibility, get the synovial fluid around the joints going and reduce discomfort.

Poor cardiovascular endurance: If simple tasks like climbing stairs or walking short distances leave you feeling breathless and fatigued, it’s an indicator that your cardiovascular endurance could benefit from regular exercise.

Weakened immune system: Frequent colds, infections, or illnesses might indicate a weakened immune system. Exercise can boost your immune system and improve overall health.

Reduced physical strength: Struggling with everyday tasks that require physical strength, such as carrying groceries or lifting objects in the house, could be a sign that you need to work on building your strength through exercise.

Poor concentration and memory: Regular exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive function and memory. If you’re experiencing difficulties with concentration or memory, exercise may be beneficial.

Even if you are engaged in some form of exercise activity it is still possible to recognise signs that you’re not using your muscles properly or they lack strength and form. For example, if your arms and chest fall forward when performing a simple squat exercise, you may need to work on your posterior chain strength to improve form and posture (glutes, hams, back)!

And this all matters because????

If any of these appear familiar to you then it could be your body’s way of telling you that maybe you could do with more exercise!

As always, before starting any new exercise regimen, consider consulting with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. They can provide advice and recommendations for your specific situation.

And if your doctor suggests or prescribes exercise, then this is where a professionally-qualified personal trainer can help.

Acknowledgements/Research

https://www.we-go-wild.com/en/13-healthy-consequences-of-movement-deficiency/ https://en.physicalmedicinecorona.com/jangan-malas-ini-7-tanda-yang-muncul-jika-anda-jarang-olahraga https://www.thehealthy.com/exercise/how-to-tell-if-you-are-out-of-shape/