Your body is unlike any other machine in the world. Generally speaking, the more you use a machine the faster it will wear down. However, the more you use your body the more efficient it becomes and the longer (and better) it will work.

Often, the last thing we want to do at the end of a long day is exercise — it's a whole lot easier to put our feet up and hit the couch. Unfortunately, doing nothing leaves us feeling even more lethargic.

It's no great secret that lack of exercise results in decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, a reduction in the cardiovascular system, and numerous health risks. But many people don't realise that a lack of exercise also results in decreased energy levels.

A proper fitness regimen can do just the opposite: it will give us more energy.

How exactly does this work?

The more we use our bodies the more efficient they become, and this leads to a greater level of endurance. In addition, exercise increases our oxygen consumption, which results in more blood flow throughout the body.

This is especially true in the brain where increased blood flow causes a release of endorphins, which give us a sense of well-being and accomplishment.

The good news is that even a moderate amount of exercise can help make you feel more energised.

Studies have found that even a five-minute walk can help to clear your mind and give you a boost.

This is especially true if you have a sedentary job and do not move much throughout the day. When coffee time rolls around, instead of chatting around the lunchroom table, get your co-workers together and go for a walk. If that's not an option, do some simple stretches to limber up after sitting at your desk.

Or keep a few free weights in your office and pump some iron for 10 minutes. Over time, you'll feel better physically and be better able to focus on work, too.

The psychological benefits alone are reason enough to become more active, but exercise can be a springboard to a more active, healthy lifestyle on all fronts — physical, mental, and emotional.

If you haven’t been active in a while, remember to start slowly. Before beginning any new program consult your physician or a health professional to ensure that you are not putting yourself at risk for injury.

Remember, the more you use your body the more efficient it becomes and the longer it will work for you.