How does an inactive lifestyle affect your body?

In the United States and worldwide, people are spending more and more time doing sedentary activities. We are often sitting during our leisure time: while using a computer or other device, watching TV, or playing video games. Many of our jobs have become more sedentary, with long days sitting at a desk. And the way most of us get around involves sitting – in cars, on buses, and trains.

When you have an inactive lifestyle:
You burn fewer calories. This makes you more likely to gain weight.
You may lose muscle strength and endurance, because you are not using your muscles as much
Your bones may get weaker and lose some mineral content
Your metabolism may be affected, and your body may have more trouble breaking down fats and sugars
Your immune system may not work as well
You may have poorer blood circulation
Your body may have more inflammation
You may develop a hormonal imbalance

Having an inactive lifestyle can be one of the causes of many chronic diseases. By not getting regular exercise, you raise your risk of:
Obesity
Heart diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart attack
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Stroke
Metabolic syndrome
Type 2 diabetes
Certain cancers, including colon, breast, and uterine cancers
Osteoporosis and falls
Increased feelings of depression and anxiety
Having a sedentary lifestyle can also raise your risk of premature death.

And the more sedentary you are, the higher your health risks are. Get on top of your health NOW! Aim for 30 minutes of activity per day. Remember that the best type of activity is the one you enjoy. So take a walk, join a gym, take class sessions at a yoga studio, CrossFit gym, or try kickboxing at Farrell’s! Even functional movements such as cleaning count as an activity in your day!

Remember to hydrate properly after exercise. Nooma is a great sports drink optimized for rapid hydration and made with real ingredients. None of the artificial or sugar you’re used to seeing in other sports drinks. Offered at Tree of Life!

Visit Tree of Life Metabolic Weight Loss to learn more about living a healthy lifestyle!