We’ve all been there: getting 15 minutes into a run and feeling so hyped that you do quick mental calculation on your marathon chances this year, only to stop because you have a stitch five minutes later. Or choosing a fruit salad rather than cake, then jumping eagerly on the scales to see how much weight you’ve lost.
Unfortunately acting healthier doesn’t give instant results. you’ve got to put the hours in. Every little helps, and here are 5 signs you’re getting fitter
1) You look forward to going to the gym
Not dreading a gym session is a sure sign that exercise is getting easier, and more enjoyable. It won’t even be an ordeal soon! It’s also probable that you are starting to see improvements for yourself, and look forward to moving on even further.
You might start to notice that you spend longer exercising without exhausting yourself too. Your stamina is improving. Nice work.
2) The little things become easier
Powerwalking to work doesn’t seem so much like the Olympics. You’re not sweating and panting after a 100m sprint to the bus. You choose the stairs over the lift and don’t regret it immediately. These little progressions show that your endurance is developing. And as a bonus, you avoid the judgment of other bus riders when you get on. Instead, they’ll be envious of the windswept look you’re rocking. You arrive to work feeling fresh and raring to go. You can go further than you could before! Good job.
3) Chocolate just doesn’t taste the same
Once you get used to natural sugars in fruit, chocolate will probably start to taste super sweet. This is because you get used to certain flavours if you eat them enough. On a side note, if you’re a sugar addict, it’s possible to train yourself to enjoy foods that aren’t 90 per cent sugar just by eating them. You’ll learn to prefer them. So if you find yourself choosing dark chocolate over milk because you genuinely want to, then you deserve a pat on the back. Well done!
4) You’re super smiley
Exercise releases endorphins that act similarly to opiates, like morphine. These endorphins dull pain receptors, so you can’t feel how tired your muscles are. They’re also really beneficial for stress, for sleeping more soundly, and for boosting self-esteem.
In other words, after a good workout you’re going to see things in a positive light. It’s your brain’s way of persuading you that this exercise malarkey isn’t such a bad thing.
5) You need new clothes
Whatever your fitness goals: to bulk up, tone out, or to slim down, once you start working your way towards them you’ll probably see a physical difference in yourself and your clothes will become looser. A great excuse for retail therapy! And with this kind of concrete proof that all your hard work is paying off, there’s no excuse not to keep up the good work.
Look for more? Start your day with with Morning Exercises
