5 Signs You Aren’t as Fit as You Thought
Fitting exercise into your busy routine can be hard work, even if you know you need to work on your fitness. But what if you think you get enough exercise through daily errands and choose not to do anything extra? Even if you believe you are fit, you actually might not be. These following points might be proof of that.
Your Heart Rate Takes Ages to Slow Down
When you’re fit, healthy, and exercise regularly, you can work out and have your heart rate decrease quickly once you finish. While you’re exercising, it’s also pumping oxygen throughout your body and beating at around 140-190 beats per minute. Once you stop, it decreases by about 20 beats per minute.
However, if you’re not fit, then your resting heart rate can take far longer to achieve. The more you work on your health and fitness, the faster your heart rate returns to its resting rate.
Walking Up Stairs Leaves You Winded
If you find yourself short of breath when walking up a simple set of stairs, then it might be time to include regular exercise into your routine. It’s normal to feel short of breath after walking up a hill, even if you’re an athlete. However, if you struggle to get up a flight of stairs and it takes you a while to return to your resting heart rate, then it’s time to work on your fitness.
You Crave Sugar
Do you find yourself constantly feeling like something sweet to eat? You might be reaching into the pantry for a biscuit or two throughout the day, or a chocolate bar from a vending machine. This is a sure sign that you may not be as fit as you thought.
Studies show that when you exercise often, you have very little interest in food once you stop. You also have less desire to eat anything sweet. Those who exercise less frequently tend to crave sweets and sugary foods after exercise or at any other point in the day.
Your Waist Circumference isn’t Within the Normal Range
Measure the region from the top of your hip bone to the bottom of your ribs. Don’t suck in your stomach, but measure while breathing normally. Wrap your tape measure around your waist and take note of what it says. Men should be 40 inches or under, while women should measure 35 inches or under.
Your Resting Heart Rate is High
A standard adult’s resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. If it’s any higher than that, you may need to work on your fitness and do more exercise. You can work on decreasing your resting heart rate by including more cardio in your week. A lower heart rate can mean your heart is functioning better.
If you have observed any of these signs above, including more exercise in your average week can be a game-changer. Working on your fitness doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Still, it can mean you feel healthier, more energetic, and are more comfortable tackling those everyday tasks.