Matt works out so he can have delicious tasty treats
1. Loss of Gainz: In a study of beginners who started exercise, the participants had a 46% increase in strength. After two months of inactivity, they lost 23% of it. THAT’S HALF THEIR GAINZ! Muscle mass decreases within two weeks.
2. Vitals Start to Tank: Dr. Farah Hameed, a sports medicine physician with ColombiaDoctors, says that within 14 days of inactivity your ability to use oxygen can drop by 10% and by 20% after three months. A study in the Journal of Applied Physiology showed that in a group that did an eight month regimen of resistance and aerobic exercise improved their blood glucose levels (think diabetes), but lost almost HALF of those benefits in 14 days of inactivity. Waaaatttttt?
3. Bring on the Pudge: The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research published a study that showed that collegiate swimmer fat mass increased by 12% after a 5-week break. (I know you’re not a collegiate swimmer, but you get the idea…)
4. Dumb and Dumber: While there is limited research in human studies….there is a lot of evidence that a break in training produces fewer new brain cells and mice do worse in maze challenges. It’s a bit of a stretch, but very possible.
5. Moody: Exercise releases endorphins (the happy happy chemicals in your brain), a reduction in exercise can lead to increased stress and mood swings. Eat a snickers and go workout…
Research shows even a few short bouts of activity a week is enough to stave off the negative side effects of a break. If you can’t make it to the gym, try getting in a ten minute bodyweight workout done at the house or go for a fast 10 minute walk on your lunch break. Whatever you do….JUST KEEP MOVING!
What’s your “Something Better?”