Part of the thrill of a really tough workout is the adrenaline rush, and that boost of energy that carries you through your days. Exercise is known to help increase energy levels and help you get better sleep at night. Feeling exhausted after just the first week of exercise could be your body's way of telling you to reevaluate your exercise routine.
Starting Too Quickly
Congratulations on making a commitment to regular physical activity and taking the first step -- finishing your first week of regular exercise! But if you're exhausted after only week one, it's tougher to power through all the following weeks that you need to get and stay fit. That's why it's so important to start out slowly when you begin an exercise routine and exercise for short bursts of time. Physical fitness is a gradual journey, so ease into it the first week -- don't spend hours at the gym each day as if you're already in shape. Start out with even 15 to 30 minutes of exercise at a time during your first week.
Pushing Beyond Your Limits
You could be pushing your body beyond its limits during your workouts. Not only do you need to ease into the number of days and length of time you spend exercising, but you need to start out at a fairly easy pace, and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Don't push your body to run several miles at a fast clip, or to lift weights like a bodybuilder does. Take it easy and let your body's stamina and strength increase without exhausting your mind, body and muscles. Changes in mood, including feeling irritated and grumpy, can also signal that you're pushing too hard.
Health Conditions
A health condition could be responsible for extreme fatigue, and exercising hard could be exacerbating it. If you suffer from a thyroid problem, fibromyalgia, anemia or a sleep disorder, you could be worsening your fatigue by exercising too much. Extreme fatigue can also be a sign of serious health problems like congestive heart failure or cancer. Not eating enough or getting enough nutrients in your diet when you're exercising regularly can also cause exhaustion.
Easing Exhaustion
Exercise can help to ease exhaustion when done correctly -- gradually increasing the length and intensity of exercise over time. You'll sleep better, which will also help raise your energy levels during the day. Make sure that you're eating a healthy diet, rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins. Also remember to stick to a strict sleep schedule. Avoiding drugs and alcohol can also help increase energy and combat exhaustion as your body adjusts to regular physical activity.
Member Comments