People give up fitness plans for many reasons, including injury, stress and lack of time. Though most people know that there are physiological consequences to ceasing exercise, many are unaware that emotional consequences also may develop. Exercise alters cell metabolism, hormones and chemical reactions in the body. It also affects body image.
Anxiety
Lack of exercise can increase anxiety in several ways. Muscle tension may cause physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a knot in the stomach. Additionally, anxious people often benefit from exercise by learning how to voluntarily relax their muscles. Heart rate and blood pressure tend to go down with a fitness program, and when they go back up, anxiety might increase.
Depression
The "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" recommends exercise as a strategy for combating depression. Depression frequently causes lethargy, lack of interest in normal activities and exhaustion. Exercise helps prevent these symptoms and activates several chemicals in the body that aid in improving your mood. If you stop exercising suddenly, you may become depressed.
Sleep Disturbances
Proper exercise enables the body's circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep and waking, to function properly. When your fitness program changes, particularly if the change is sudden, you may experience sleep disturbances including insomnia, oversleeping, nightmares and frequent waking during the night.
Body Image Problems
A fitness routine improves body image in at least two ways. First, it helps your body develop into the body you want. Second, if you exercise, you learn to admire your body's strength and capabilities rather than just its shape or size. When you stop exercising, your body shape may change, and you may no longer notice your body's strengths. This may cause difficulties with body image or self esteem.
References
- "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology, 9th Edition"; Gerald Audesirk, et al.; 2010
- "American College of Physicians Complete Home Medical Guide"; David R. Goldman; 2003
- "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, Fourth Edition"; Mayo Clinic; 2009
