Just because you think you’re fit doesn’t mean you actually are. You might be a healthy weight but neglecting exercise and strength training, or you might be hitting the gym regularly but making poor dietary choices. It’s important to recognize when this is the case, and here are a few signs to start with.
Difficulty with Balance
Believe it or not, balance is a pretty important part of being physically fit. If you often find yourself stumbling or having trouble keeping your balance during activities, it might mean your core muscles need some strengthening. Doing exercises like yoga, Pilates, or specific balance training can really help improve your stability and overall fitness.
Inconsistent Energy Levels
Some people think that feeling low on energy is just part of life, but it can actually be linked to a lack of fitness. Getting regular exercise can boost your energy and help you feel more consistent throughout the day. If you find yourself feeling tired often, it could be a good sign to step up your activity levels and see how it impacts your energy.
High Resting Heart Rate
A high resting heart rate can be a sign that your heart isn’t in the best shape. If your resting heart rate is over 80 beats per minute, it might mean your heart is working harder than it needs to. One way to help lower that number is by getting regular aerobic exercise, which can make your heart stronger and more efficient over time.
Struggling with Basic Cardio
As you probably know, good heart health is one of the most important parts of staying fit and healthy. According to The Heart Foundation, regular exercise can also reduce your risk of heart disease. If you find yourself out of breath after climbing a few stairs or walking a short distance, it might mean your cardiovascular fitness needs some attention. Regular cardio workouts can go a long way toward improving this aspect of your health.
Frequent Muscle Soreness
We’ve all experienced that feeling of soreness after trying a new workout, but if you’re constantly sore from everyday activities, it could be a sign of lower fitness levels. Ongoing soreness indicates that your muscles aren’t used to the work they’re being asked to do, which means it might be time to focus on more regular strength training to build that endurance.
Poor Flexibility
You might know someone who’s super strong and muscular but has a real hard time touching their toes or doing simple stretches. This is a clear indicator of poor flexibility, which is actually a very important part of your overall fitness and health. Tight muscles can lead to injuries later, so it’s important to work on this issue. Adding some stretching exercises or yoga to your routine can make a big difference and help you move more freely.
Inability to Perform Basic Strength Exercises
We’ve all had moments when lifting something heavy or doing simple strength exercises feels tough. But if you find bodyweight exercises like push-ups or squats very challenging, it could mean your muscle strength needs some work. Consistent strength training can help you build muscle and improve your endurance, making those everyday tasks feel easier over time.
Shortness of Breath During Light Activity
As you may know, getting out of breath just doing light activities can be a sign of poor cardiovascular fitness. Feeling winded after minimal effort suggests that your heart and lungs might not be functioning at their best.
Slow Recovery Time
When it takes a long time to bounce back after working out, it’s a sign that your fitness might need a bit of attention. Quick recovery is a good sign of being fit, so if you’re still feeling sore or worn out days after exercising, it might be a good idea to gradually ramp up your fitness routine to help improve your recovery time.
Excessive Sweating
Some people think that sweating a lot during light activity is normal, but it can actually point to poor fitness. Sweating is your body’s way of cooling off, but if you sweat excessively during simple tasks, it could mean you’re working too hard. Regular exercise can help your body adjust and respond better to physical exertion, so you sweat less when doing everyday things.
Trouble Sleeping
A lot of us know that not getting enough good sleep often comes down to not being active enough. When you exercise regularly, it can really help you sleep better and feel more rested overall. If you find it hard to drift off or stay asleep, adding more movement to your day might just help you catch those Z’s.
Bad Posture
We’ve all experienced those long hours of sitting that lead to slumping or hunching over. This usually points to weak core and back muscles. By doing exercises like planks and rows, you can strengthen these muscles, which can help you stand up straighter and feel more fit overall.
Struggling with Moderate Exercise
If you know someone who can barely keep up with moderate exercise for just a few minutes, it’s likely they have low endurance. When you can’t jog or cycle for a decent amount of time, it usually means your heart and muscles could use some improvement. Building endurance takes time, but it can really make a difference in how you feel during physical activities.
High Blood Pressure
Many people are aware that having high blood pressure is a common sign of not-so-great heart health. Staying active through regular exercise can really help keep your blood pressure in check. If you notice that your readings are consistently on the higher side, adding more aerobic and strength workouts to your routine might be a good idea.
Difficulty Lifting Everyday Items
We’ve all been there when carrying groceries or lifting a child feels like a workout in itself. If simple tasks like lifting or carrying start to feel too heavy, it’s a clear sign your muscles could use some strengthening. Regular strength training can help make these everyday activities feel much easier and less tiring.
Frequent Injuries
If you know someone who keeps getting hurt, it might be a sign they aren’t very fit. Weak muscles, tightness, and coordination issues can lead to injuries. To help avoid these problems, it’s a good idea to have a fitness routine that mixes strength training, stretches, and balance exercises.
Poor Skin Health
Your fitness levels can have a big impact on the health of your skin. When blood isn’t flowing well and you aren’t sweating, your skin can look dull and unhealthy. Getting regular exercise boosts circulation, which helps nourish your skin and flush out toxins, giving you a healthier glow.
Low Immunity
Some people think that not moving much doesn’t really matter, but a lazy lifestyle can actually weaken your immune system. Staying active regularly gives your immune system a boost, making it better at fighting off colds and other illnesses. If you find yourself getting sick often, it might be worth it to get moving more.
Elevated Cholesterol Levels
Most folks know that high cholesterol usually comes from eating poorly and not exercising. Being active can help keep your cholesterol in check by raising the good HDL cholesterol and lowering the bad LDL cholesterol. If your cholesterol numbers are high, getting more exercise can really make a difference.