The Benefits of Exercise

[VACookey 111]

I just read a post about losing weight without exercise and it got me thinking. Yes, you can do it. So why exercise then? I decided to make a list of the benefits I have enjoyed. Feel free to add yours!

1. More muscle means faster metabolism

2. Dropping dress sizes even when the scale remains the same

3. Biceps!

4. Awesomely toned legs

5. Feeling of accomplishment after completing a really tough workout

6. Running your hands down your legs and actually feeling muscle and not fat

7. Ability to squat down and get back up with little effort due to awesome leg muscles

8. Ability to run around with the kids and not get winded or worn out

9. Ability to participate in a class and not feel left behind because you can't keep up

10. Beginning your bicep curls at a wimpy 5 pounds and someday being able to lift at 12 pounds. What an accomplishment!

11. Squats and lunges no longer scare you

12. Ability to do 60 pushups in 90 seconds. Couldn't do that at 289 pounds!

13. People think you weigh less than you actually do because your body is so fit

[COnative 192]

I just read a post about losing weight without exercise and it got me thinking. Yes, you can do it. So why exercise then? I decided to make a list of the benefits I have enjoyed. Feel free to add yours!

1. More muscle means faster metabolism

2. Dropping dress sizes even when the scale remains the same

3. Biceps!

4. Awesomely toned legs

5. Feeling of accomplishment after completing a really tough workout

6. Running your hands down your legs and actually feeling muscle and not fat

7. Ability to squat down and get back up with little effort due to awesome leg muscles

8. Ability to run around with the kids and not get winded or worn out

9. Ability to participate in a class and not feel left behind because you can't keep up

10. Beginning your bicep curls at a wimpy 5 pounds and someday being able to lift at 12 pounds. What an accomplishment!

11. Squats and lunges no longer scare you

12. Ability to do 60 pushups in 90 seconds. Couldn't do that at 289 pounds!

13. People think you weigh less than you actually do because your body is so fit

14. Healthier Heart and Lungs- decreased chances of heart attack and stroke

15. Hopefully decreased chances of some cancer

16. Decreased chance of diabetes

17. A longer Life (I hope)

[Lisa :) 231]

WAY more energy!!!

Being able to run up a flight of stairs effortlessly!!

Increased metabolism (which means I don't have to worry about every little thing I eat)

Helps you stay focused and on track

Being able to do things that most people wouldn't even think of doing (triathlons!!)

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Increased sexual stamina.

[MCM 15]

Such a great thread. I love how positive you all are! Thank you for posting!

[alsublett 29]

I "fit" better in the car and in movie theaters - I am not embarrassed to go clothing shopping anymore and can shop in the regular stores... even bought size 10 jeans at GAP last week... My three kids are proud of me... and finally...

I AM PROUD OF MYSELF!!!

[JenC 90]

I still have to "make" myself do it daily...I'm not quite at the point of loving it....but your thread just inspired me to get off this chair and get on the treadmill and put my miles in. Thank you!!

[MaryDrew 41]

Thank you all. I needed this. I need this tatooed on my head. LOL Actually I'm printing it out and posting on my bathroom mirror so I can see it every morning.

[IsB 209]

If you exercise every day you will feel better every day. It's that simple

[karenb4729 309]

I agree with the above poster. You feel so much better with exercise everyday. One of the biggest lessons learned in my weight loss was how much I needed the exercise. Once I got out and started walking I noticed all these older people out walking and realized that in order to lead a long healthy life you need to be active. My weight gain had more to do with being less active than it did with what I put in my mouth. Yes, you can lose weight without exercise but the key will be can you keep it off without exercise. I personally don't think it's possible unless you eat next to nothing.

[Lisa :) 231]

Studies have shown that nutrition plays a bigger part (like 85%) in actual weight loss than exercise...so, yes, you absolutely can lose weight without exercising. But in my own experience, I've discovered that my exercise habits have a direct impact on my nutrition habits!!!

There is also a mental aspect for those of us who have struggles with weight loss/weight gain. Exercise is as good for your mental health as it is for you physically!!! I take one day off each week for rest and on those days, I don't have as much energy and I just feel kinda "blah" mentally.

[VACookey 111]

Working out makes me eat better. Who wants to slave away at the gym then turn around and ruin it with a cookie? I don't!