3 Vital Signs Your Body Needs More Exercise

Exercise is more than just a workout to flaunt a great physical appearance. Since most jobs (and lives) are sedentary, our mind and body requirse movement to maintain proper health.  Most don’t realize that oxygen plays a large role in our well-being. When we exercise, we are forced to breathe deeper, which transports oxygen throughout our bodies. This often makes us feel refreshed and revived. When there is a lack of oxygen flowing through the body we feel fatigued, often yawning, wondering when the clock will strike five o’clock.
 
There are many symptoms that signal our bodies could use more exercise. Here are three common and vital signs that your body needs to move more. 
 
Stress and Anger
Do you get upset immediately upon reading a work email? Or are your stress levels so bad that you can’t sleep? Although stress differs for everyone, and exercise is stress, it is important to exercise to control your stress. Something calm like yoga, Pilates and swimming is therapeutic and the body adjusts to the hormones released from exercise. Even something light such as walking outside on a lunch break and pause stress and rebalance the body. Something more intense like running or weight lifting can help you release that energy during exercise rather than at work.
 
Stiff Joints and Body Aches
Does your back ache? Are your shoulders and hips tight? Aches and pains are some of the first signs that your body needs to move. The less it moves the more problems will occur overtime. Emotional stress can also increase muscular stiffness as the muscles tense when we are stressed. So exercise maintains stress and increases joint range of motion.  
 
Doctor Diagnosis
Many diseases and issues such as diabetes and arthritis are rooted to a poor diet and lack of physical movement. Known as a “hypo-kinetic” disease, issues such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, mental health and some forms of cancer root to a lack of movement.
 
These problems can be avoided with regular exercise and by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Once down the rabbit hole, you’ll have to follow doctor’s orders, but most people can prevent problems like Type II diabetes through a lifestyle change that includes regular exercise. Any form of exercise is metabolic conditioning. With rebalancing hormones and glycogen levels, exercise aides in healthy insulin levels.
 
It is very rare that exercise is a “bad thing” once diagnosed with an illness. The goal is to find the level and intensity that suits your current health levels. Most people do well with regular walks, light bike rides/swims, yoga and other forms of moderate exercise. 

What signs or symptoms indicate that your body needs more exercise? We love learning from others so please share! If you have any questions about whether or not your body needs more exercise, or what type would suit you, please comment below!

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