Blog 70: An Object in Motion Stays in Motion
-Molly Lang, PA-C
We’ve all been there: you’ve had a long day, your to-do list was relentless, and the couch is calling your name. Skipping your workout feels like the logical choice. After all, you’re tired—shouldn’t you rest? While rest is important, what most people don’t realize is that a workout, even a short one, can actually boost your energy instead of draining it.
Not all Fatigue is Created Equal!
Not all tiredness is the same. There’s “true” fatigue, which comes from overtraining, illness, or lack of sleep, and then there’s the sluggish, heavy feeling that comes from being sedentary or mentally drained. In many cases, that second type of tiredness is your body craving movement, not more inactivity.
When you sit most of the day, your circulation slows, oxygen delivery to your tissues decreases, and your muscles become stiff. This can leave you feeling more fatigued. Getting your heart rate up—even moderately—reverses this sluggishness by improving blood flow, oxygenating your cells, and releasing endorphins that improve mood and motivation.
The Science Behind the Energy Boost
Exercise stimulates the production of mitochondria—the “power plants” in your cells that turn food into usable energy. More mitochondria means your body becomes more efficient at generating energy for everything you do, not just workouts.
Cardio activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming improve cardiovascular health, allowing your heart to pump blood more effectively. Strength training enhances muscle endurance, so everyday activities feel easier. Together, these changes mean you’ll have more energy reserves over time, not less.
Mood, Motivation, and Mental Clarity
When you’re tired, your brain often feels foggy. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering more oxygen and nutrients, which can sharpen focus and mental clarity. Physical activity also triggers the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins—neurochemicals that elevate mood and reduce stress.
That’s why people often say, “I didn’t feel like working out, but I’m so glad I did.” The first 5–10 minutes might feel like a push, but once your body warms up, your mood and alertness rise.
Listen to Your Body—But Don’t Confuse Rest with Routine Slumps
There’s a difference between honoring your body’s need for rest and giving in to habitual excuses. If you’re recovering from illness, injury, or truly haven’t slept, rest is the wise choice. But if you’re simply feeling drained after a long workday, moving your body can be exactly what you need to feel better.
Start small: a 10-minute walk, some light stretching, or a quick bodyweight circuit can be enough to shift your energy. Often, that’s all it takes to kick you out of a slump and into a more energized state.
The Takeaway
Next time you feel too tired to work out, ask yourself: Is my body truly in need of rest, or is this mental fatigue talking? In many cases, lacing up your sneakers will leave you more energized, more focused, and in a better mood than before you started.
Movement isn’t just something that takes energy—it’s something that creates it.
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Jenni Berman
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