One of the things that I’ve learned over the years, in my journey to health, is that wellness is not the product of a single step. Getting fit and healthy requires a comprehensive lifestyle that addresses a variety of different aspects. Don’t misunderstand me, exercise is important. That said, if you neglect other areas of your well being, you will not see the results you want from working out alone. Here’s 7 reasons exercise alone won’t give you the results you want…
7 reasons exercise alone won’t give you the results you want
- Your body needs to be hydrated. Pay attention to proper hydration. If your body is thirsty, it is more likely to hang on to those excess calories you are desperately trying to burn. Adequate water intake is also imperative for preventing exhaustion and muscle fatigue. Believe it or not, poor hydration can actually lead to water retention.
- Your body needs fuel, and food is fuel. Nutrition is just as important, if not more so than exercise when it comes to overall health and wellness. Just as using the right type of fuel for your vehicle is key to it running the way it was designed to do so, using the right fuel for your body is key to it functioning the way it was designed to. Fuel your body with a balanced diet so it can function at its optimum potential. A quality protein powder can also help you maximize your diet.
- Your body needs nutrients. Believe it or not, even eating a healthy diet can leave your diet lacking in certain nutrients and minerals. Using a quality multivitamin supplement can go a long way toward helping your body function at it’s best. It’s amazing what your body can do when you give it a healthy diet and the core nutrition it needs!
- Your body needs to be rested. This can be tough, especially when you get in the groove of working out. Rest days feel like lazy days, and you’re trying to be better, not be lazy. Stop! Resting your body, and your mind, are equally important to exercising them! Be sure you are getting plenty of sleep and allow your body to recuperate after an especially challenging workout. Failure to rest properly can result in overuse and injury!
- Your body needs variety. When you follow the same routine every day, your body becomes accustomed to the routine and may not respond the way you want it to. Variety is key. Yes, you want an exercise routine, i.e. you head to the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m. or you run four days a week in the afternoon. It’s good to switch up what you’re doing during that routine, though, because persistent exercise routines that lack variability are not only predictable and boring, they also fail to challenge the body. Be sure to throw in some unconventional workouts like hiking, swimming, playing golf, or some other sport so your body has a chance to exercise in different ways.
- Your body needs a healthy psyche. While exercise can improve mood, you have to be sure to allow time for leisure. Schedule it, if necessary. Neglecting your mental health will lead to disharmony.
- Your body needs a check up. Just like your car needs an routine inspection, you should see your physician yearly, if only to monitor your weight, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Hormones play a huge role in health and wellness, and if any of them are out of whack, chances are your health will be, too. Most insurance plans will cover an annual well exam.
Of course, running on the treadmill will help you burn calories and shed fat, weight training will help you become stronger, and yoga will help you become more flexible. Cross training is really important, too. Check out the Best Cross-Training Exercises for Runners.
Exercise alone will not give you the results you want. Achieving wellness means taking care of your body and mind and giving it what it needs. One of the things I’ve learned is that health and wellness begin in the kitchen. Do yourself and your health a huge favor and make your quest for wellness be a comprehensive lifestyle choice!
