What are the consequences of being inactive during the lockdown?
Now that covid-19 has roamed all over the world and put many countries under lockdown or quarantine, a lot of people find themselves stuck at home, with little to do. The beginning of the confinements wave was welcomed by lots of workouts being posted on Instagram, and people were a bit more active. But now that going back to our normal lifestyle is not happening anytime soon, many gave up and surrendered to the lazy life. However, being sedentary has negative effects on our bodies! So what are the consequences of being inactive during the lockdown?
1- Weight gain
You might think that you are gaining weight from all the snacking and eating you are doing. While this could be a reason, being inactive can be the major cause of gaining weight. When you do not move, you are not burning any calories, and in case you were consuming some, it logically means that you are gaining weight. Try to be active for at least 15 minutes per day, by doing some cardio exercises.
2- Heart disease
Your heart is a muscle, and the less it works, the weaker it will get. So being inactive means your heart’s muscles are inactive as well. Furthermore, if you are gaining weight, it means you are adding pressure on your heart muscles making the whole organ susceptible to a bunch of diseases. Therefore, heart attacks can be on your worries list now that you have been sitting on a couch doing nothing for the past hour.
3- Loss of flexibility
Being sedentary for a long time can affect the blood flow to your muscles. Not only blood won’t be able to reach certain areas such as bound or tight muscles, but you could develop inflammation and experience some pains. This increases while your flexibility decreases. The more you spend time sitting, the more you will find that your lower back and your hip flexors are becoming tighter. Not only that, but your glutes and abs will become weaker as well.
4- Osteoporosis
While you might think that osteoporosis is only for older people, you are wrong. Old people get osteoporosis because they move less than the younger versions of themselves. And if you decide to stay on the couch watching TV you could be suffering from that very soon. When your body and muscles, which are made to move, and your bones, which are made to hold the weight of your movements, are not being active, you are at risk of osteoporosis.
5- Increased chances of dementia, anxiety, and depression
Even your brain is affected by your new lifestyle. Your mental health is at its best in a healthy body. Therefore, being inactive means you are not producing the hormones that help you relax, feel happier, and be healthier. And when your body is suffering from unwanted consequences, your brain will start experiencing such consequences as well.
Where should I start?
So you decided to put your body to work? Great! You can start by using the different features of StepChain to motivate yourself to become active. It will count your steps, pushing you to walk more, even if just around the house, and will help you build a workout plan. Choose your coach, enter your preferences and you will have a workout plan made only for you!
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