Do you exercise regularly and eat healthily, but the number on the scale just won’t go down? There are four signs that will tell you that you have become fitter and should keep going.
Many people choose to exercise regularly to lose weight. But weight loss is not the only positive effect exercise has on the body.
In fact, there are many signs that you have become fitter, even if you have not lost weight.
A healthy routine can have many positive effects on your well-being.
These include better mood, improved digestion and more restful sleep, so it’s not just about losing weight, but also about improving your overall well-being.
Eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise have mental health benefits. If you notice your mood improving and your stress levels decreasing, that’s a clear sign that the healthy routine is working.
Improved sleep is also a sign that the body is benefiting from healthy habits.
A healthy lifestyle can also lead to improved digestion and a healthier gut.
Nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, nuts, whole grains, seeds and fruits can aid digestion. Fiber is especially important for a good digestive system.
If you find that your workouts are getting easier, that’s a clear sign that you’re making progress. Over time, you might be able to lift more weight or do more reps.
Better performance is an indicator that you are giving your body the right challenge and making it stronger. Not only does training play a big role in this, but nutrition is also important. The foods you eat affect muscle performance and recovery.
A common misconception is that weight loss is the ultimate goal when it comes to fitness.
In fact, you may be able to build muscle and burn fat at the same time without seeing much of a change on the scale – this is called “body recomposition.”
It’s even possible that the weight on the scale will increase as you get stronger, but that’s nothing to worry about.
Muscle weighs more than fat, so you may still get fitter even if you don’t lose weight at first. In the long term, increased muscle mass will bring you closer to your goal because muscle burns more energy than fat, even when at rest.
A balanced diet and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Cholesterol levels, blood pressure and metabolism can also improve through a healthy lifestyle.
So weight loss is not the only reason to eat healthily and exercise regularly.
Even if your weight doesn’t change drastically at first, a healthy lifestyle will make you fitter and you’ll make progress. In the long term, a healthy lifestyle will also lead to a healthy weight that you can maintain without the yo-yo effect.
The original of this article “4 signs that you are fitter – even if you are not losing weight” comes from FitForFun.
