Fatigue After Winter
Still trying to fight the winter time blues? Unfortunately, we are getting to the time of year where we can’t blame our fatigue on winter hibernation. Fatigue is one of the most common problems patients complain to their doctors about. More and more studies are now showing that one of the best remedies to boost energy is exercise! Fatigue is one of the most limiting factors when trying to achieve your life goals. In this blog we will be discussing ways to feel more energized with your day.
In a study published in the Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics in 2008, University of Georgia researchers found that inactive people who normally complained of fatigue could increase their energy by 20% while decreasing fatigue by as much as 65% by simply participating in regular, low-intensity exercise. This study also states that people who walk more total daily steps ended their day feeling more energized than on the days when they walk less.
Diet
Studies are now starting to show that exercising doesn’t make you tired, it creates energy in your body. Along with exercise, another big factor is your diet. If you aren’t filling your body with enough food, your metabolism will power down. Your ability to then produce energy to accomplish your daily activities is diminished greatly. We have all experienced that 3’ o clock wall in the day. You grab a snack and immediately feel more energized. The problem with this is that some foods that you are putting into your body can cause a crash more than others. Foods that
contain simple starches and sugars are more capable of raising your energy quickly, but you will experience a much quicker crash. Here are some examples of food that can cause your energy to crash:
- Sodas
- Fast Food
- Chips
- Candy
- Processed Foods
Ways to get away from these type of foods is to consume a whole grain and high protein diet. Whole grains have a much lower glycemic value, which means they provide a more sustained energy source. Protein will help keep you fuller longer by slowing down the digestion process, which will help maintain your energy level.
Exercise
Two-thirds of American adults are overweight and obese. Exercise combined with a healthy diet can be a life-saver. Studies show that living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure. You don’t need to work out for an hour to get yourself healthy and feeling more energized throughout your day. To get your body feeling more energized, all you need is 15-20 minutes of activity every day to get your heart pumping. Experts also recommend that two days out of the week you lift weights to regain muscle mass and strengthen weakening bones. Below is a list of simple exercises to do to get you feeling more energized at any time of the day:
- Push ups
- Crunches
- Mountain Climbers
- Squats
- Lunges
- Calf Raises
With summer being just around the corner, this is the perfect time to start an exercise program to get energized, combat fatigue and lose extra pounds. If you are someone that has a tough time staying motivated and on track, working with our Certified Personal Trainer Amanda can help you establish goals, safely achieve meaningful results and stick to an exercise program. Call Flex today at (712)256-1800 and schedule an appointment with Amanda.
