Hi TappingPeony,
No one in my family is an athlete by genetics or nature, nor am I. I knew exercise was good for me, though, because everyone says so. When I lost weight I started by power walking outside, since I wasn't a gym member and didn't have exercise equipment. I worked my way up in distance, gradually increased in speed. I read about how weight training is supposed to be good for you so I bought some 5 lb dumbbells and did some exercises at home from a women's weight training book I found in a clearance bin. I now go to the gym and weight lift and do moderate to high intensity cardio, and lead a pretty active lifestyle, but it took a long time to get here.
The point of my long-winded story is that I built up exercising gradually. I'm not sure what expectations you have about exercising, but "exercising" doesn't mean you have to immediately go do benchpress 100 lbs at the gym or sprint at Olympic speed. It can be taking yourself, or your kid or dog (if they are agreeable
) for a walk, or bike ride, around the neighborhood, or find a friend (or co-worker) to go with so you will have someone to chat with. Even just spending some time with the family outside can lead to more activity, if you have a yard or a park. Try some kind of "alternative" exercise like a dance class, kayaking, anything where your body is moving around. Try different things until you find one you enjoy.
You wrote: "When you see little result, if any, what makes it worth the effort?" What type of exercise have you been doing, how often, to get so "little result"? I wonder about this statement because every single instance I've ever heard of where people's body is not changing from exercise is due to food (or hormonal imbalances, abnormal thyroid function, but that's less common), e.g. they start exercising, but then end up eating more b/c they're hungrier from the exercise, or something like that. I'm not sure what your typical food intake is, or if you're using some type of food plan to lose weight, but I really believe that coupled with the right amounts and types of food exercise will aid weight loss.
Exercise also isn't just for weight loss. Think about all of the benefits to your cardiovascular system, your blood pressure, your cholesterol levels, your overall health. Strength training can help bone density, which can help prevent osteoporosis and all sorts of problems later in life. There are countless scientific studies chronicling these benefits.
Progress in exercise is not just measured on the scale. Exercising can cause you to gain muscle, so the number on the scale might not go down, but your measurements might be. It might be easier to walk up the stairs, you might have more energy, etc. I think it's very important not to get too caught up in just seeing a change in your weight.
I particularly love the calming and stress-busting effect exercise has on me. A good workout seriously keeps my brain chemistry - whatever is going on up there - on an even keel. Even a quick walk at lunchtime when I'm having a bad day at work can lift my mood.
You also mentioned having trouble fitting exercise into your schedule, as "one more thing to add clutter to the chaos". Perhaps if you can set aside 30 min. first thing in the morning, even if it means getting up earlier, then you can get some exercise in before your responsibilities and "to-do's" for the day pile up.
Good luck!