Did you know that you can use exercises for energy? Yes, it’s true! Just when you’re thinking you’re low on energy, and you just want to flop on the couch, that may be exactly when it’s time to lace up those sneakers and head to the gym, hit the pavement for a quick walk, or even drop for 10 pushups.

What? Did you just read that right? It’s time to throw on your sneakers and get moving, just when you’re feeling like a big nap is in order? Yes, you did read correctly. When you’re feeling zapped of energy and you want to rest, you can really boost your energy levels with some good old-fashioned exercise.

Can Exercise Really Help Boost Energy?

According to Patrick O’Connor, co-director of the University of Georgia Exercise Psychology Lab, exercise is exactly what you need when you’re feeling tired. He says, “A lot of times when people are fatigued, the last thing they want to do is exercise. But, if you’re physically inactive and fatigued, being just a bit more active will help.” Studies show that sedentary folks who claim to be tired all the time seem to benefit the most, energy-wise, from starting a plan which adds a regimen of low-intensity exercise to their days.

Why Does Exercise Help Boost Energy?

Science has shown that exercise helps boost energy in a variety of ways. Exercise helps you clear your mind. It’s a well-known fact that exercise can help you mentally work through issues and the events of the day. It’s a time for your mind to disconnect from all the static around you and to process things that may be weighing on your mind. Often, people will report finding a solution to a problem after a workout.

Exercise not only helps you unclutter your mind, but it boosts your mood as well. The endorphins produced by exercise can be enough to recharge you. Depression can sap your drive, and using exercise can help take your mind off of your current situation and replenish your ambition.

And, last but not least, just adding some exercise to your routine can have you burning off a few extra pounds to boot. And, that’s something that can help just about everyone feel more confident and successful, which increases energy and mood as well.

Benefits of Using Exercises for Energy

Regular workout and fitness has been shown to:

• Reduces stress
• Lowers cortisol levels
• Produces endorphins
• Recharges your body
• Allows time and space to process problems and issues
• Supports a soothing release for your body
• Reduces tension
• Supports better sleep
• Improves digestion
• Enhances nutrient absorption
• Boosts the immune system
• Reduces body fat and supports a healthy body weight
• Alleviates mild to moderate depression
• Reduces anxiety

How Much Exercise Do You Have to Do to Boost Energy?

So, you’re probably thinking you have to really sweat it out to achieve any sort of benefit when it comes to beating fatigue and ramping up your energy. Well, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t actually have to do too many exercises for energy levels.

A study done at the University of Georgia’s Exercise Psychology Laboratory showed that as little as 20 minutes, three times a week, of exercise was enough to reduce fatigue by up to an incredible 65% and boost energy levels by a solid 20%.

What Kind of Exercise Should You Do to Increase Energy?

Now that you know you can get away with just a little effort in the exercise department and still boost your energy levels, what kind of exercise do you have to do to garner these results?

Good news! Scientists say that a low- to moderate-intensity aerobic type workout is best for boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue. Studies are still being conducted on exactly why the slower paced workouts seem to be more beneficial when it comes to increased energy levels (over their faster paced counterparts). But, in general, tests show that the more sedentary you are initially, the more you’ll notice a boost when you begin to engage in some light exercises for energy on a regular basis.

Expending Energy Creates Energy

So, you need to recharge. Well, as counter-intuitive as it may sound, you need to expend energy to increase energy. Along the lines of the way the Law of Attraction works (what you put out there comes back to you), so it is with energy. You must expend it to increased your levels.

Don’t worry, just moving your body and working your muscles won’t leave you feeling depleted. Quite the contrary. You’ll find the more you work out, and the more consistently you can get in your exercise sessions, the better you will feel.

Try These Quick Exercises for Energy

• Walking—feeling a little sluggish? Try a brisk walk to perk yourself up. This is a great idea for an afternoon pick me up that’s sure to boost productivity.

• Yoga—there are many yoga moves you can do to get the blood flowing for extra energy (and to help boost weight loss as well).

• Jumping Rope—this is a handy exercise you can do right at home, and all you need is a simple jump rope and a couple of minutes.

• Push-ups—these will get you going for sure. This exercise engages many of the muscles in your body and will have you fired up and ready to roll after just a few sets.

• Crunches—yes, even something as simple as crunches can boost your energy levels.

• Cycling—it probably goes without saying, but within a minute or so of cycling, you can guarantee you will feel more energized and alive.

• Taking the Stairs—if you can’t get to a gym and you don’t have any sort of equipment handy, chances are good you may be near a stairwell. Try taking the steps two at a time or sprinting up the steps quickly while pumping your arms. After a few rounds of stairs, you’re sure to feel the fatigue melt away.

The research has shown, over and over again, that exercise does a body good. And, really, just getting yourself moving is a good start. When you get up and get going, you will find yourself when you employ regular exercises for energy, you will feel less tired and more energized, yet relaxed with a clear head.