Everything that happens to your body when you start exercising
You don't have to keep telling us, yes, we know exercising is good for your body. Still, when you've had a long day at work and the cold weather sets in, the last thing you want to do is go for a 5k run.
From releasing endorphins to dropping a couple of inches around your waist, it's easy to see the benefits of exercising, but if only it was that simple. With January well underway, many of us have likely hit the gym as part of our New Year's resolutions.
While those numbers are sure to plummet at the start of February and then trail off until another boost in January 2026, there are plenty of YouTube videos out there explaining why we should keep at it.
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One video from The Infographics Show explains exactly what happens to our bodies when we exercise - including some of the benefits we might not have thought about.
We're told that a slight burn is an important process because it helps your muscles get stronger. In terms of physical changes, blood is shifted from your digestive system to your skeletal muscles, while your brain and hormones from your endocrine system instruct your body to convert stored sugars from fat and carbs into glucose for energy.
The release of lactic acid will cause pain that makes you think you can't do any more reps, but over time, your body will metabolize it and you'll be able to carry on.
Your body temperature increases and your sweat glands produce sweat to try and cool you down, which is why it's important to stay hydrated during your workouts.
Sleep is also important following a workout because your body is putting itself into a state of repair. Stretching is key to keeping muscles pliable and helping them grow, with the video also suggesting that 45 minutes of 'intense' exercise can lead to your metabolism increasing by up to 40% for 14 hours after you've finished your workout.
One side effect you might not expect is that working out can cause the release of certain hormones that could decrease your appetite. Still, that doesn't mean you won't be famished after some workouts.
Even though you won't have abs of steel after a week, you can make the most of endorphin hormones sending pleasure signals to your brain when you work out. Researchers suggest this changes the way you think about exercising and it could almost become a pleasurable experience.
Unfortunately, the lack of seeing results after a week is where many people tend to falter, thinking it's not worth it and going back to their normal routine without hitting the gym.
After about three months, you'll likely see physical changes, although be warned that you might actually put on weight due to your bigger muscles. There's also the side effect that not working out might lead to you feeling low because your body is used to the endorphin kick.
Telling us to stick with it, the video reminds us that working out typically leads to a stronger heart, as well as reducing our risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
On the flip side, we're also warned about the dangers of exercising too much. The Infographics Show says overworking your muscles can lead to them breaking down in a rare condition called rhabdomyolysis - which can lead to major organ failure.
If your body needs more nutrients than you're providing, it can cause hair loss and bone pain. Basically, it's all about respecting balance, and as long as you're not pushing your body to the extreme, the benefits of exercising far outweigh the negatives.