A large proportion of people in Germany exercise too little – even though a lack of exercise can have dangerous consequences such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. It is all the more important that the warning signs are recognized! We explain which 4 signs you can use to see that you should exercise more.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy adult should exercise at least 150 minutes a week or do 75 minutes of sport to stay healthy. Unfortunately, many people don’t make it – especially those who have a sedentary job. Especially in the cold season, when it is already dark after work, there is a lack of motivation to do sports. However, if you haven’t exercised during the day, for example during your lunch break, you can quickly become deprived of exercise, which in turn has a negative effect on your health. For example, this increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack or diabetes. In order to be able to take countermeasures in good time, it is important to pay attention to the symptomswatch out for a lack of exercise.
Table of Contents
Health: 4 signs you should exercise more
1. Weight gain
A key indicator that you are not exercising is weight gain. Because if you move too little, you burn fewer calories and gain weight accordingly. Especially when many calories are consumed through diet. Since obesity is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death, weight loss should be achieved with the help of a healthy diet and sufficient exercise. Generally speaking, being overweight is always a sign that should not be ignored. If you exercise enough and gain weight for no apparent reason, a disease such as hypothyroidism can also be the cause.
2. Shortness of breath
Do you often feel short of breath when walking and are you out of breath after climbing the stairs? Shortness of breath is a typical symptom of lack of exercise. Anyone who suffers from shortness of breath even with light exertion such as going for a walk should urgently incorporate more physical activity into their everyday life – because breathing can be improved by doing so. Start with moderate exercise and slowly build up so your endurance improves over time.
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3. Muscle and joint pain
Do your joints ache with every movement and do you often pull muscles? In such a case, many people move less and hope that the symptoms will subside in this way. But the opposite is the case – because the less you move, the more often joint and muscle pain occurs. The more exercise we build into our everyday life, the more flexible the body becomes and the more relaxed our muscles and fasciae are, which can harden or stick together when there is a lack of exercise.
4. Bad mood
A lack of exercise can also have a negative effect on our psyche. Those who move too little often suffer from symptoms such as listlessness, irritability and even depressive moods. A lack of exercise is often accompanied by sleep disorders, which can aggravate the symptoms. Exercise and sport not only improve our physical health, messenger substances known as happiness hormones such as serotonin are also released, which lift the mood. However, if a more active lifestyle doesn’t improve your low mood, you should see a doctor.
Also interesting: This is what happens when you go for a walk every day >>
