There’s a lot of great changes that take place in your body when working out is part of your weekly routine. You might not see the changes immediately, but they definitely are occurring. I’ve seen clients attend their first workout and check out their reflection in the glass on their way out. I’ll be the first to say, you definitely won’t look thinner or fitter after just one session, but you might look a little healthier. There will be a glow to your skin with a hint of pink indicating increased circulation. You may even be smiling, since exercise boosts the happy hormones and decreases the stress hormones.
You might notice improved energy after a very short time.
It may take longer, but usually after the first week or so, people notice they have more energy. They get more work done both physically and mentally. The increased energy level means you move faster with less need to rest and improved endurance. The improved mental energy comes from increased brain function from exercise. That can come from the reduction of stress and the boost in your circulation, sending oxygen and nutrient rich blood throughout the body. Exercise also increases the development of neural pathways.
It only takes about a month to six weeks to have visual proof that exercise is making a change.
You’ll start noticing muscle mass increasing and look thinner and fitter. Fat will start to disappear. By the end of the month, there are some real changes going on and others will notice it as well. Even if you didn’t lose weight, people may ask if you lost it, since you’re converting muscle into fat, which makes you look slimmer. You’ll feel stronger and notice the difference in your strength. You’ll be able to lift more weight in the gym. With the increased muscle mass, you’ll also notice weight loss is easier, since it boosts your metabolism.
After a six months, there’s no doubt about it, you’re looking good.
Not only will your body be more muscular and/or thinner, you’ll look years younger and definitely more confident from the improved posture. Not only will your body look younger with pep in each step, your skin will too. In fact, you’ll be younger at a cellular level. Exercise boosts the creation of adult stem cells and extends telomeres. Telomeres are the chromosome protectors that prevent it from unraveling every time it divides—avoiding early cell death or damage.
- You’ll sleep better at night after a few sessions. While you might be a bit achy after the first session, which could interrupt a good night’s sleep, it won’t take you long to fall asleep once you start exercising regularly.
- You’ll feel happier and more like socializing. Exercise does give you a confidence boost and improves your body image. When you feel good about yourself, you’re more apt to be social.
- You’ll keep up with the kids and maybe even outlast them. That endurance that occurs will help you take on several flights of stairs without the need to rest on the way up and keep you hiking a faster pace without stopping along the way.
- You’ll find you miss exercising when you skip a session after a few months. When you exercise on a regular basis, it becomes a habit. You become uncomfortable when you miss a session.