Why Less Exercise Might Be the Answer
By Genevieve Cunningham
Exercise is one of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle. It helps us manage our weight, build strong muscles, and keep a healthy metabolism. And if you have a good exercise routine, you're ahead of the game. Actually maintaining regular exercise is the hardest part for most people. But what happens if your exercise routine is backfiring? What happens when you stop seeing results? If you feel like your fitness routine needs an upgrade, take a look at why less exercise for a while might be the right answer.
Too Much Exercise Can Lead to Inflammation
Exercise certainly brings a lot of good to the body, but when we do it excessively, it can lead to inflammation in the body. And when the body is inflamed, we often look and feel heavier. This inflammation might be present in the joints, the face, or the gut. If you've picked up the pace of your exercise routine lately and you've noticed a puffy, swollen feeling, cutting back may be all it takes to allow the body to heal and the inflammation to subside.
Exercise Can't Do It All
This applies to those who think that excessive exercise can cancel out the pizza they ate earlier. It can't. Exercise is good, but it can't do it all alone. If you want to lose weight or get healthy, your diet is absolutely key. If you're working out more to avoid eating healthy, you need to balance out the exercise (do this a little less) with eating a healthy diet (do this a little more). As your body finds the balance, you'll begin to notice positive changes once again.
Exercise Can Create Stress
Some people obsess over the gym. They worry whether they're spending enough time there. They always think they should do one more set, one more lap, one more lift. But if you don't enjoy this process, then constantly pushing yourself beyond your capabilities can actually create a stressful environment within your body. And when the body is stressed, losing weight is so hard. Try relaxing a little about exercise. Still go to the gym, but don't worry if it wasn't your best workout. As you become more relaxed and the stress lowers, your body will begin to respond more naturally.
Exercise is good; there's no denying the benefits. But there are times in life when doing less actually creates more results. Evaluate your exercise habits and make changes if needed. Your body and health will change if you stick with it. Sometimes more is more, and sometimes less is more. Find the balance and enjoy the health that comes with it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Collins, Colo.