It’s no secret that regular physical activity is necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Positive effects of working out include fewer health risks leading to chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, better weight management, and an improved mood with less anxiety.
These benefits are all fantastic reasons to make exercise a habit. However, what happens after just one workout?
Is that first workout session just laying the groundwork for future progress, or do you feel those positive effects right away?
We’re here to answer those questions and more in this blog post. If you’re curious about the positive aspects of working out, the effects of working out on the brain, or when you’ll see results from workouts, this one’s for you!
What Happens to Your Body After Your First Workout?
We won’t sugarcoat it — your fitness journey’s first steps are challenging.
Getting into a fitness routine takes work, and you may have moments where you feel sore and uncomfortable after exercise.
You will also feel some positive side effects from day one! Here’s what to expect after your first workout:
Increased energy levels
You’ll be exhausted after your first workout, but it’s normal to feel a boost of energy after exercise as well!
This increased energy happens because you receive a rush of mood-boosting endorphins and experience improved blood flow that loads your body up with more oxygen to counteract the tiredness.
A better mood and improved self-esteem
It’s common to feel more confident and accomplished when you finish your initial workout. You should soak in that feeling because you’re going on a journey of self-improvement, after all!
Strenuous exercise also physically reduces stress levels by decreasing the amount of cortisol (a common stress hormone) in your body, which means your first workout can improve your mood substantially.
Elevated mental clarity
One of the best effects of working out on the brain is the boost in mental clarity. The increased blood flow to the brain will enhance your cognitive function and help you focus.
You may also feel brain fog disappear after your first workout. Physical activity is a great way to clear your mind and keep you mentally sharp throughout the day.
Improved physical awareness
Working out improves your mind-body connection to help you feel more aware of your body during exercise. This feeling starts from day one and continues to grow on your fitness journey.
The post-workout soreness you feel is also your body telling you you’re improving. This exhaustion is a sign that you worked your muscles to the point of growth.
Better sleep
Sleep is the core of a healthy lifestyle. The more undisturbed sleep you have throughout the night, the healthier you are.
Physical exertion helps you regulate sleep patterns. Tiring your body during your first workout will also help you sleep more soundly afterward.
Can You See Results After One Workout?
We’re all fans of instant gratification, but you shouldn’t expect to see physical changes after your first workout.
The common saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day” definitely applies to the exercise realm. Only through consistent diet and exercise will you start to slim down and increase muscle tone.
Instead of looking for physical outcomes, focusing on the mental benefits of exercise after your first session is more important.
Your first workout is also the best point to gain motivation for future results. It’s the beginning of a journey that will help you transform your mind and body to achieve a better life!
When Will I See Results From Working Out?
Everyone’s fitness journey is different, so it’s hard to determine a time frame for when you should expect to see physical results.
That being said, you can accelerate your timeline by doing three simple things:
- Stay consistent with your workouts and celebrate small victories
- Incorporate active rest days between workouts to keep moving outside the gym
- Subscribe to a balanced diet that gives you plenty of hydration and nutrition
Consistency is the number one way to improve your fitness and see results from exercise. The more consistent you are, the better your results will be.
Start Your Fitness Journey With Us at Fit Body Boot Camp
We are all about helping people accomplish their fitness goals at Fit Body Boot Camp!
Our welcoming 30-minute group exercise sessions are designed to give you the best results possible while surrounded by people who want a healthier life — just like you.
We also offer professionally developed nutrition plans to complement your workout routines. Our fitness coaches will give you the necessary guidance to help you eat for weight loss, muscle growth, and an improved quality of life.
If this sounds like a movement you want to be a part of, visit your local Fit Body Boot Camp today! We look forward to meeting you.
