Low-Intensity Exercise Increases Energy and Reduces Fatigue in Sedentary People
A study at the University of Georgia has shown that regular, low-intensity exercise can increase energy levels by 20% and decrease fatigue by 65% in sedentary people.
The researchers examined volunteers who had recurring fatigue but had not been diagnosed with a medical condition such as chronic fatigue system. The researches estimate that 25 percent of the general population suffers from this type of fatigue. Interestingly, this is approximately the percentage of obese adults in the US.
There were 36 volunteers for this study, and they were divided into three groups. Some performed 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times each week for six weeks, some performed low-intensity aerobic exercise for the six weeks, and the third group did not exercise at all.
The low- and moderate-intensity groups had a 20% increase in energy levels over those that did not exercise. What is interesting is that the low-intensity group had a 65% reduction in fatigue, while the moderate-intensity group had a 49% reduction. The researchers thought that the moderate-intensity exercise may have been too difficult.
They also found that increases in aerobic fitness were not related to the increased energy level and reduced fatigue. The researchers believe that exercise stimulates the central nervous system to increase energy and reduce fatigue.
This is a very interesting study in that it shows that something as simply as walking for 20-30 minutes a day can really impact your body, especially those who live sedentary lifestyles. I imagine that this would provide reciprocating improvements, where the increased energy would be used for more movement or exercise and continued improvements.
Reference: University of Georgia
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Thanks for the info! I needed the reminder. It can be so hard to get the energy to actually exercise, so reminding myself of this should–I hope–do the trick.
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Thanks for the comment. Sometimes I have to force myself to exercise, but I am always glad when I do.