Working out can be tough. In a busy world, most people cling to the excuse that working out takes too long (even though a 1-hour workout is only 4% of your day!). If these same people ever get over the notion that working out is a time-hog, they may explore for the next available excuse, such as “working out is tough.” Sure. There’s some validity in that statement, but most things worth achieving take a little (or a lot of) work. If you’ve ever worked out really hard, the fatigue, the sweating, and the muscle soreness probably leaves you with an easy answer if ever asked, “Does working out increase your energy?”. This question is more suited for the long-term benefits of exercise, because YES, working out does increase your energy, regardless of how you feel at the ed of a workout. You may feel worn out immediately afterwards, but studies are finally coming to complete resolutions showing exercise as an energy increaser. Most of the early studies were not able to quantify the fact that working out increases energy. However, as mentioned before, newer studies are strongly supporting the energy epidemic with appropriate numbers and results.
Certain cancers and diseases associated with the heart, can leave individuals with chronic fatigue problems. The last thing these brave souls want to do is go for a walk, but this little bit of exercise can do more for the body than a good nap. Healthy adults also benefit and gain energy from exercise.
In a society obsessed with energy supplements and drinks promising an exact number of hours for sustained energy, physical activity can have greater benefits. Coffee and caffeine are not always the answer. The energy stored in the body ultimately comes from the foods we consume – fats, carbohydrates, and protein. The proper foods have great benefits for energy. Regular physical activity combined with the right foods is the key to lasting energy. Your aerobic capacity will be increased, as well as the way you metabolize oxygen on a daily basis. Your neuromuscular system works better. Your hormones can be more easily controlled naturally by the body with regular physical activity. Your muscular endurance will skyrocket. Your body composition and the ability to maintain lean body mass and decreased body fat will improve.
These are basic health principles, but it’s clear how much more energy you will have through leading an active life. A simple way to think about it goes like this: when you are physically fit, your body doesn’t have to work as hard doing normal activity (such as extracting oxygen and pumping blood, etc.). This decreases the feelings of fatigue. Your metabolism will be higher, and your energy output will increase.
So next time you think “working out is tough”, or “working out takes too long”, or “I’m too tired to work out”, force yourself to get up and out. Form good habits and your health and energy levels will be greater than ever before.
