The Effects of Health and Exercise
Exercise has a prominent effect on health – weight loss and maintenance, heart health, bone support, muscle growth, mental improvement, and the list extensively continues. Although we know what consistent exercise can do for health, the following may occur when you stop exercise entirely:
1. Decreased Endurance
While a week off running or cycling will not dramatically create noticeable changes, endurance changes can reveal within approximately two weeks. The concept is linked to aerobic exercises’ benefits on VO2 max, a person’s capacity to breathe and utilize inhaled oxygen during exercise. Powerful and consistent training allows the lungs and heart to work more efficiently together, providing the body with freshly oxygenated blood it needs to power through a workout. Though results vary between individuals and their training regimens, marked changes in VO2 max are pronounced around the two-week mark.
2. Reduced Brain Function
Some individuals enjoy working out to “clear their heads.” But aside from sifting and sorting through thoughts during a run or lifting session, brain cells are continually being activated while blood flow to the brain is improved. Exercise has also been celebrated to boost the mood, primarily through the production of that “feel good” hormone known as endorphins. And if workouts plummet, the mood may as well. Additionally, reduced blood flow to the brain may further decline brain function, including faltered memory and information processing.
3. Lessened Muscle Mass
If you have ever heard the phrase “Use it or lose it,” the concept can hold large truth when you stop exercising. And though the effect on muscle loss is not as substantial as decreased endurance, it can be noticeable. However, compromised muscle mass largely depends on gender, age, and the amount of time spent strength-training before discontinuing. Most individuals, though, may start noticing muscle loss or strength in about a month’s time or close to six weeks, especially if an adamant weight lifter prior.
4. Gained Fat Mass
While fundamentally expected, weight gain is likely to follow when you stop exercise routines, claiming to feel a little less firm and a little more “soft.” Fat mass, particularly around the abdomen, can cause your pants to feel tighter. The combination of lost muscle and added fat can additionally slow down metabolism, only to instigate and encourage more weight gain.
Exceptionally in the absence of both a lessened exercise pattern and an innutritious diet, gaining too much weight rises several health concerns. Overweight and obese individuals are at a much greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases further down the road. If desiring to regain control of your health, let bistroMD help. BistroMD not only delivers nutritious, flavorful meals right to your doorstep, but offers ongoing support to help you through even the toughest days. Its extensive Health Library provides valuable resources, even providing recipe and workout ideas! For more information on bistroMD, visit the official site at www.bistromd.com.
