The Consequences of Exercise
Consequence (noun): a result or effect of an action or condition; importance or relevance.
Interestingly, the word consequence seemingly has a negative connotation. But in actuality, it’s a neutral word that can take on negative or positive implications.
Today we’ll be discussing the consequences of exercise. These could be negative consequences or positive consequences.
First, let’s list some positive consequences of exercising, in no particular order:
increased strength
more muscle mass leading to better body composition
improved cardiovascular capacity
better mobility
improved movement patterns
injury prevention
improved mood due to release and circulation of neurochemicals dopamine, epinephrine and endorphins
builds self-confidence and sense of pride
improved mental clarity and focus
improved quality of sleep
long-term increase in energy levels as your body becomes more efficient over time due to better fitness levels
increased appetite (generally speaking your body will require more fuel to continue progressing - yay!)
improves circulation which helps all bodily functions
Next, let’s present some negative consequences of exercising, in no particular order:
increased soreness or stiffness due to demand placed on body tissues
creation of body imbalances if not exercising in a well-rounded way that considers one’s own weak points
short-term feelings of fatigue
increased appetite (meaning you need to be more prepared with food which may present as a chore for some people)
increased risk of injury if not exercising in the correct ways
takes time out of day from doing other things
Here are some tips to mitigate the impact of the negative consequences:
learn how to foam roll to reduce soreness
implement a daily mobility routine to feel less stiff
consult a movement specialist to learn about your imbalances and recommended corrective exercises
batch cook in larger quantities to have extra meals in the case of hunger due to increased activity levels
ensure pre and post exercise nutrition is dialed to maximize energy and recovery (see blogpost on this topic here)
work with a trainer to learn how to perform exercises correctly and with the appropriate periodization (more on periodization in this blogpost here)
ultimately, a healthier you is a happier you, so remind yourself of that, take the time for yourself and watch your relationships and other interests flourish
So, as you can see, there is a long list of positive consequences of exercise. But all too often we avoid talking about the negative consequences. There are always pros and cons to everything, but luckily there are a lot of things we can do to manage the negative consequences as we continue to reap the many benefits of exercise.
