Immediate, short and long term effects of exercise - AQAEffects of exercise (24 – 36 hours after)
During exercise the body systems respond immediately to provide energy for the muscles to work. After regular and repeated exercise, these systems adapt to become more efficient.
Short term effects of exercise (24 – 36 hours after)
The immediate effects of exercise tend to be gone within a few minutes of exercise ending. However there are other side effects that tend to last a little longer.
Tiredness and fatigue can be experienced in the days after heavy training or a big competition. This can be both physical but also mental tiredness. Sleeping well after training is therefore very important and can be thought of as part of an excellent recovery.
Light-headedness can be experienced in the hours after training and is usually a sign of either dehydration or low energy stores or both.
Nausea is a feeling of sickness that can take place during the hours and even days after very intense physical exercise. Athletes need to try to refuel even if they feel a little sick.
Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS) occurs when muscles experience pain for 24-48 hours after intense exercise due to microscopic tears in the muscle fibres. DOMS typically follows a change in training or performance intensity and the muscles need to be rested while in this condition to avoid injury.