4 Signs Your Exercise Routine is Working, Even If You’re Not Seeing Physical Changes

Two women boxing
Photo by Lucy Dunne on Unsplash

One of the most frustrating parts about working out is doing everything you’re supposed to and still not seeing any physical changes. Changes like losing or gaining weight, fitting into your clothes, or gaining muscle make exercising worth it, but they’re not the only ways to know your workouts are having an effect. Besides for the way you look, there are many signs your workout routine is working. Here are four to look out for.

You’re Less Stressed

Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Exercise lowers the body’s levels of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine.

You’re Sleeping Better

Because exercise reduces anxiety, it can help you fall asleep by clearing your thoughts. Exercising also wears your body out and helps you sleep better.

You Feel Stronger

You may notice you have an easier time carrying groceries or picking up a laundry basket after you’ve been working out for a while. One of the best benefits of exercising is being able to do daily activities without getting exhausted.

Your Health Numbers are Getting Better

There are many health benefits that come with exercising like reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, slowing down natural bone loss that happens with age, and helping with arthritis and joint conditions.