It’s an unfortunate truth that many people throughout the country maintain unhealthy eating habits. In fact, consider the following statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It indicates in recent years, obesity affected over 93 million adults in the country. 

That’s why many have chosen to pursue a ketogenic (keto) diet. This diet consists of eating foods low in carbohydrates and high in fats.

If you’re starting your own keto journey, congratulations. You’re taking important steps to establish a healthy, active lifestyle. 

Speaking of that healthy lifestyle, though, it’s important to consider working out on keto. This is true, in particular, if your keto diet and is drastically different from your previous eating habits. You may need to be strategic about your exercise routine. 

The good news, though, is you’ve come to the ideal article. Detailed below is everything you should know about exercising on the keto diet. 

WORKING OUT ON KETO ISN’T IMPOSSIBLE

The first thing to recognize is that you can work out on a keto diet. It’s true that adjusting your eating habits can have drastic effects. You might notice a drop in your energy levels or an increase in fatigue, for example. 

Still, if you prepare well, there’s no reason why you should have to avoid exercising. It’s up to you, though, to ensure you’re still getting enough necessary vitamins and minerals. The keto diet isn’t all about avoiding carbs — it’s about focusing on healthier options.

Plus, do your best to get a solid seven hours of sleep every night. Doing so will go a long way in helping your body adjust to this new keto lifestyle. 

WAIT A FEW WEEKS AFTER STARTING YOUR KETO DIET BEFORE WORKING OUT

Speaking of this new keto lifestyle, it’s going to take time to get used to it. Chances are that your body has been relying on carbohydrates for a rather long time. Don’t be embarrassed, though — most people throughout the country have the same problem. 

In fact, that’s one reason why the keto diet is so successful when it comes to losing weight. Even experts recognize that the keto diet is very effective for rapid weight loss. 

Our bodies, for the most part, aren’t used to a low-carb lifestyle. When we remove a significant amount of those carbohydrates, our body consumes more fat for energy in the long run.

It’s true that this can be great for those trying to lose weight. At the same time, though, it can mean you experience lower energy levels, too. Lower energy levels during a workout may slow your pace and cause significant lethargy. 

In other words, allow your body some breathing room while it reorients to this new diet. It needs to learn how to process different kinds of food energy than it’s used to. After a few weeks, though, you should be ready to enjoy the positive effects of a regular exercise regime. 

LOW-INTENSITY WORKOUTS ARE THE WISER CHOICE 

Since you’re on the keto diet, by the way, there are some exercises that aren’t in your best interest. To be specific, it might be smart to avoid high-intensity cardio workouts. 

If, during your normal exercise routine, you’re used to pushing your body to its absolute limits, take note. Switching to the keto diet, for one thing, means your performance level might decrease. For another thing, it can be a matter of safety to push your body beyond its available energy level.

Instead of taking such a risk, then, stick to low-intensity workouts. One great example of an exercise for people on the keto diet is strength training.

Stick to hitting the weights at your local gym as opposed to running several miles a day. You can trust that your body will appreciate that decision. 

IT MIGHT BE IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Of course, before you start working out on the keto diet, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. Odds are that you’ve already communicated with him or her about your decision to try the keto diet. 

Ask him or her about specific exercise recommendations, too. That way, you can trust that your new exercise routine won’t put you at risk of passing out or anything. Plus, you can reach out to a qualified personal trainer for this sort of guidance, too. 

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T SKIP MEALS

The most important thing to avoid when on the keto diet, by the way, is undereating. It’s understandable to want to limit your portion sizes, of course. You’re likely trying to lose weight, after all. 

Still, you need to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients on a regular basis. This is of particular importance when you decide to start working out on this diet. If your body isn’t properly nourished, you’re putting yourself at risk of injuring yourself one way or another. 

All in all, remember to listen to your body’s needs. If you’re working out and feel lightheaded, for instance, be willing to take a break. Don’t let the priority of losing weight detract from your overall physical health status. 

CONTINUE EDUCATING YOURSELF ON PRACTICING A KETO LIFESTYLE

At this point in the article, you should feel comfortable working out on keto. In today’s busy world, it’s hard to find enough exercise time in the first place. When it comes to being on the keto diet, you have to be particularly strategic, too. 

After all, it’s worthwhile to make the most of your new healthy keto lifestyle. Why not boost your exercise routine at the same time (in a safe way)? Doing so could ensure your keto diet succeeds in helping you lose weight or becoming more active. 

In fact, you might as well make the most of your new keto lifestyle in a variety of other ways. One of the great things about the keto lifestyle is that you can take what you want from it. In fact, that’s where we can come into play. 

We prioritize bringing our readers the latest and greatest trends in the world of keto living. We want you to establish — and maintain — healthy behaviors for many years to come. That’s why we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website for more expert guidance on your new keto diet.