I talk to patients all the time about the importance of exercising. I have worked out all my life and always preach about the importance of continuing to build it into your daily life. There are so many proven reasons to add it to your list of things to do to stay healthy and age well. But, what happens when you stop?
Mood Changes
For starters, if you stop working out, you will quickly feel it mentally and physically, within a few days for some people. Your brain will feel it first, because there will be less blood going to it. You might feel some brain fog and be less cheerful. You will feel more depressed.
Your Muscles Become Smaller
You lose muscle mass and bone health when you stop working out and this can lead to injuries.
You Lose Endurance
Your heart and lungs will become less efficient and you will see your endurance decrease quickly.
You Will Have Less Blood Sugar Stability
You improve your glucose levels when you follow a strength and aerobic exercise program and can lose benefits within 2 weeks of stopping.
Your Blood Pressure Will Go UP
Within a few weeks of no exercise your blood vessels begin to stiffen and your blood pressure will go up.
You May Gain Weight
You will be using less energy every day so if you do not adjust your calorie intake, it will be easy to gain weight.
Your Sleep Will Be Affected
If you quit working out you will sleep less. Many studies show that regular exercise improves sleep and lengthens sleep cycles.
No Exercise = Weaker Bones
Walking, running and strength training all help maintain stronger bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
So, don't stop working out! A day or two off, no problem, but stopping for more then a week or more starts to make negative changes in the body. If you start back, you can regain all the positives within a few month or so.
