What happens to your body when you stop exercising?

By Annie Hauser
When it comes to exercise, consistency is key.
Even for the fittest among us, a few weeks away from training can result in rapid declines in strength, aerobic capacity and the biomarkers, such as blood pressure, that indicate a healthy body.
“Detraining will occur relatively quickly, with major declines occurring after two or three weeks,” says Mark Peterson, Ph.D., an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Michigan. The graphic above outlines some of the changes and when they occur.
But maintaining a regular exercise routine has many benefits.
“Strength preservation and daily physical activity in adolescence, midlife and older adulthood are powerful protective factors for maintaining cardiovascular health and functional mobility, reducing injury and extending life expectancy,” Peterson says.
Source: University of Michigan Health: http://healthblog.uofmhealth.org