If you want to get physically fit but often feel low-energy, say goodbye to these 7 habits

Feeling sluggish even before you start your workout? You’re not alone!

So many people want to get fit but feel like they’re dragging themselves through mud.

You know the drill: you get hyped up for a new fitness plan, only to find yourself yawning on the way to the gym, or skipping it altogether because you just don’t have the energy.

Here’s the good news—you don’t need to pound energy drinks or force yourself to just power through.

Sometimes, it’s about spotting the sneaky habits that drain you without you realizing it.

Let’s take a look at seven everyday habits that could be silently zapping your energy and holding you back from the physical fitness you’re after.

1) Neglecting hydration

Did you know that even mild dehydration can cause fatigue?

Water is crucial for nearly all of our bodily functions. It aids digestion, regulates body temperature, and yes – it fuels our muscles.

When we’re dehydrated, our body has to work harder to perform these functions, which can leave us feeling drained.

So, if you’ve been slacking on your water intake, it’s time to change that habit. Keep a water bottle handy and make sure you’re drinking at least 8 glasses a day.

2) Skipping breakfast

I’ll admit it, I used to be a serial breakfast skipper.

You see, I thought skipping breakfast would save me time in the morning and help me lose weight.

But boy, was I wrong!

Here’s what I learned.

Breakfast is aptly named – it breaks the overnight fasting period.

It refuels your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness, while also providing other essential nutrients required for good health.

When I started eating a balanced breakfast, I noticed a significant increase in my energy levels. Not to mention, my morning workouts became much more productive.

3) Overloading on caffeine

I love coffee, I really do. The aroma, the warmth, the jolt of energy – it’s almost magical. But there’s a catch.

Caffeine can be a tricky friend when it comes to energy levels.

Sure, it gives you a quick energy boost, but once the effect wears off, you’re left feeling more tired than before.

It’s a bit like borrowing energy from tomorrow to use today.

I used to guzzle down 4-5 cups a day. The result? A short-lived burst of energy followed by an inevitable crash.

So, I cut back. Drastically.

Now? I’m down to one cup in the morning and the difference is remarkable. No more afternoon slumps or jittery highs and lows.

4) Neglecting sleep

I know, I know. There are just so many exciting things to do and so little time. Who needs sleep, right?

Wrong.

Sleep is not just a time for your body to rest – it’s when your body repairs itself. It’s when your brain sorts and stores all the information from the day. Without adequate sleep, your body and mind can’t function at their best.

I’ve had my share of late-night binge-watching sessions, only to wake up feeling like a zombie the next day. It’s just not worth it.

Now, I make it a point to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. The result? I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

5) Sitting too much

Did you know that our bodies were designed to be on the move? Yet, most of us spend a significant portion of our day sitting – at our desks, in front of the TV, or during our commute.

Prolonged sitting can lead to a host of health issues – from obesity to heart disease. But it can also sap your energy.

When we’re inactive, our heart and lungs aren’t working as efficiently as they could be, leading to feelings of fatigue.

I started incorporating more activity into my day:

• Taking regular breaks to walk around
• Using the stairs instead of the elevator
• Parking further away in the car park

The result? I feel more alert and energetic throughout the day.

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So, if you’re glued to your chair for most of the day, it’s time to get moving. Your energy levels will thank you for it.

6) Being too hard on yourself

We’ve all been there. Setting lofty fitness goals, pushing ourselves to the limit, and beating ourselves up when we fall short.

But here’s the thing.

Fitness is a journey, not a destination. It’s about progress, not perfection.

I’ve learned that being kind to myself, celebrating small victories, and understanding that setbacks are a part of the process, has made this journey far more enjoyable.

When I stopped treating my body like a machine and started treating it like a friend, I noticed a significant uplift in my energy levels.

So remember, it’s okay to take a rest day. It’s okay to have that piece of cake on your birthday. Fitness is about balance. Be kind to yourself and your body will return the favor with energy you didn’t know you had.

7) Ignoring stress

Stress is a silent energy thief. It not only wreaks havoc on your mental health but also drains your physical energy.

High levels of stress lead to:

• Poor sleep
• Bad eating habits
• A lack of motivation to exercise

All of these factors contribute to low energy levels.

I’ve found that incorporating stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga into my routine has had a huge impact on my overall energy levels.

Tackling stress head-on can be a game-changer when it comes to boosting your energy and improving your physical fitness.

The final takeaway

Now that you know what’s been quietly stealing your energy, you’re one step closer to feeling fired up and ready to crush your fitness goals.

Imagine waking up with the motivation to move, exercise feeling more like a reward than a chore, and finishing each workout with a sense of victory—not exhaustion. Saying goodbye to these seven habits might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

It’s time to reclaim your energy, redefine your routine, and get on track to feeling stronger, sharper, and more unstoppable every day.

So ditch the habits that drain you, and let your journey to peak fitness truly begin.

Your energized, fitter self is just around the corner!