Too much exercise could actually make us lazier, new study says

Don’t cancel your gym membership just yet

This new exercise study might make you question your weekly routine. Image: Getty

Exercising religiously every day might actually make you lazier, according to a new study. Here’s why pushing your training like an athlete, while wonderful for fitness goals, might actually be depleting your overall energy levels. 

Win the morning, win the day, they say. But waking up at the crack of dawn and wearing down your running shoes might not be as advantageous as previously thought, according to new research published in the journal Current Nutrition Reports. 

If you’ve ever pushed your body to the point of exhaustion trying to close your Apple watch rings, you can probably relate to the cloud-like feeling of your couch upon returning home. As soon as you kick your shoes off and settle into your favourite corner, you know there isn’t likely to be much else on the agenda for the day.

There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a lazy day every now and then, but if you’re spending every morning pumping the heart rate in the gym, followed by a couch or bed-bound day of scrolling, your daily routine could result in some serious health implications.

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Is exercise bad for you? 

Before anyone cancels their gym membership, no, the study isn’t claiming exercise is bad for you. The findings simply outline the run-on effect hardcore structured exercise can have on the rest of your daily physical activity. 

“If people are seeking weight loss, they should be aware of their non-exercise physical activity, such as walking the dog, riding a bike to work or standing at the desk at work,” study author Julie Marvel Mansfeldt tells Fox News Digital. 

“If these activities are suddenly stopped, the total daily energy expenditure is less than expected, and thus the weight loss will be less than expected,” the graduate student at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports adds.

Whether you’re an exercise fanatic or prefer your twice-weekly Yin flow, your total daily energy expenditure doesn’t solely come from your allotted gym sessions. As Marvel says, we often forget to include our movement to and from work, taking the stairs over the elevator, chasing the kids (or dog) around the house, and the late-night trip to the grocery store to replenish the milk for tomorrow’s coffee.

As energised as you may feel after your morning workout, your energy levels will soon drop, making your day at the office feel longer than usual... Image: Getty

The findings come from a thorough systematic review of 24 existing studies, each examining the way different levels of structured physical activity impacted participants’ overall daily physical movement. 

Overall, the research concluded that people who engage in rigorous regular structured activity, such as long-distance running or HIIT classes, were more likely to spend the remainder of their day lounging around in a sedimentary state. 

As a result, even though such participants considered their lifestyles to be healthier than the average person’s, they collectively reported 22% less weight loss than expected from their exercise training program. 

If you're exercising with weight loss in mind, depleting all your energy in the morning might have an adverse effect on your goals. Image: Getty

What’s the best way to exercise for weight loss?

Like most things in life, balance is key. When it comes to maintaining an active lifestyle without tiring ourselves out, experts recommend remaining active even during downtime. 

“Our bodies will respond best with structured exercise that is targeted and goal-specific, along with casual activities to complement our routines throughout the day, such as walks and bike rides,” says Edward Farrell, a certified sports and conditioning specialist.

“Structured exercise may have its benefits, as it organizes our time and develops a routine; however, if this is our only outlet, we may not be doing enough,” he adds. 

And as any expert nutritionist or trainer will tell you, weight loss isn’t solely dependent on our exercise habits, but rather an amalgamation of our sleep, stress, and nutritional habits, as well as our mental health and overall daily routine.

Originally published as Too much exercise could actually make us lazier, new study says