Does exercise increase energy level?
I am just starting to try and lose about 20 pounds for my health, personal appearance and to raise my self-esteem so I feel more comfortable in social settings. I've been running a few miles a day on my treadmill and feel wonderful energy when I keep the exercise consistent. I also suffer from depression and anxiety - do you think continuing the exercise routine will eventually "cure" this? Is running enough to get the 20 pounds off, or do I need to be doing strength training as well? I prefer to stick with cardio, but I'm not sure if cardio alone is as effective...
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Yes, there is no doubt that exercising will help in coping with your depression and anxiety problems. Please keep up the good work! Strength training should also be included into your workout routine. It will help significantly to increase your everyday energy levels. Because doing that combination of cardio and strength training needs a lot of energy for your body to execute, You might at first feel tired and fatigued. But after a while, your body should adapt, and you will reap the benefits. The benefits will include getting your 20 pounds off, feeling energetic, and raised self-esteem. Try other forms of cardio too, like swimming, cycling or other cardio machines in a gym other than treadmill. Try finding a partner or trainer to train and exercise with you also. Good luck!
You will become more energetic with time. But even after a while you won't ALWAYS feel energetic, sometimes you just can't do all the work you need to do and that's when you take a break. When you get back to training you will hopefully have more energy.
Good luck!