Exercise for Energy: Fight Fatigue and Pump Up Your Health
Exercise for Energy: Fight Fatigue and Pump Up Your Health
Posted on June 18, 2018 by TriVita
Energy-Boosting Workouts That Anyone Can Do, Anytime!
You might be surprised to learn that one of the best antidotes for fatigue is to exercise more — not less! Experts agree that when it comes to fighting fatigue, simply getting up and walking around can increase your energy. However, not all exercise is created equal.
A study published in a 2008 issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics by researchers at the University of Georgia found that inactive individuals who routinely complained of fatigue were able to increase their energy by 20% while reducing fatigue by up to 65% simply by engaging in regular, low-intensity exercise.
Different levels of workout intensity produce different effects on your energy. For example, high-intensity exercise may involve heavy weight training or 45 minutes on a treadmill, while a 15-minute brisk walk would qualify as moderate exercise. The intensity of your workout directly impacts how energized you’ll feel afterward.
“A lot of times when people are fatigued, the last thing they want to do is exercise,” says researcher Patrick O’Connor, PhD. “But if you’re physically inactive and fatigued, being just a bit more active will help.”
Behavioral therapist and personal trainer Therese Pasqualoni, PhD, adds, “You should always aim to exercise in your low to moderate training heart rate range. This will prevent you from depleting your body and help you avoid feeling fatigued, which would otherwise keep you from gaining the maximum energy benefits.”
Before starting any new exercise routine, it’s essential to know your body and acknowledge any physical limitations to prevent injury. What’s moderate for one person might be intense for another. Generally, walking is a well-tolerated option for most individuals. Other forms of low-impact exercise that effectively boost energy include yoga, Pilates, swimming, and Tai Chi.
Need All-Day Energy?
No matter your activity level, staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to naturally enhance your energy and improve performance. Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue, so it’s important to drink plenty of water — especially before, during, and after workouts. Proper hydration reduces workout-related fatigue and supports your body’s natural recovery process.
If you need an immediate energy boost, certain dietary supplements can help. Always choose natural products that support your body’s energy metabolism, and avoid artificial energy drinks or sugar-heavy power bars that can lead to energy crashes.
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