Wilson's Fitness Centers

Fatigue
Fatigue is a very common complaint amongst Americans of all ages; it is one of the top reasons people go see a physician. Fatigue is a feeling of weariness and grogginess which is often accompanied by a lack of productivity and apathy. Undoubtedly, we all have experienced fatigue at some point in our lives, whether it has been occasional or more frequent, chronic fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 4 million Americans experience chronic fatigue.

The Role of Exercise
Although it’s easy to assume that exercise makes you tired and thus causes fatigue, the reverse is actually true. The Mayo Clinic states that a lack of exercise is one of the premier causes of fatigue, along with lack of sleep. In addition, fatigue can be caused by stress, anxiety, medication, poor nutrition, dehydration, and in rare cases, it may be a sign of a more serious conditions. Consult a physician if you feel your symptoms are severe and have lasted for a long period of time despite enough rest and exercise.

Feeling tired? Don’t sit on the couch, go to the gym!
Because of the hectic lifestyles that we live, many individuals claim that they are too tired to exercise. However, given recent research at the University of Georgia, this excuse is wearing thin. Over the years many studies have found that sedentary individuals who begin a regular exercise routine experience an increase in energy levels. Researchers have compiled over 70 studies and found that exercise can help boost energy and fight fatigue, even among individuals suffering from chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

Exercise improves sleep quality
Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association supports the claim that exercise improves sleep quality and decreases fatigue. A study examined sleep patterns of sedentary adults over the age of 50 and found that 16 weeks of moderate exercise improved sleep quality and duration in older adults. Subjects slept an average of 42 minutes more per night when they were exercising regularly, and rated the quality of their sleep as higher.
So no more using tired and fatgiue as an excuse for not coming to the gym!  Come get a workout in and feel great when you leave!!

Helpful Websites:
National Cancer Institute, Fatigue
National Center for Physical Activity and Disability, Combating Fatigue: Diet, Exercise, Sleep
National Institutes of Health, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

References:
Puetz TW, O’connor PJ and Dishman RK. (2006). Effects of chronic exercise on feelings of energy and fatigue: A quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 132, 866-76.
King AC, Oman RF, Brassington GS, Bliwise DL and Haskell WL. (1997). Moderate-intensity exercise and self-rated quality of sleep in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 277, 32-37.