Quote:
Originally Posted by JayEll
I think the article is correct that exercise will do someone no good if they eat more as a result. The most I have ever burned in a single session at the gym is about 300 calories, and I wouldn't want to bet on that number because those machine estimates can be way off. As the article points out, you can eat back those calories with a treat from Starbucks.
OTOH, the author has clearly never had a serious weight problem, so no real experience. Also, when he does those punishing sessions he describes, I would say he's OVERexercising. It's not necessary.
I exercise to support my weight loss and weight maintenance efforts, and to increase my cardiovascular and muscular fitness. But the main thing is restricting food, IMO.
Jay
I had these same thoughts.
I don't run on the treadmill, I do a fast walk at a slight incline. I do other exercises and resistance machines. I'm tired when I come home, but not wiped out. I also don't do it occasionally, I do it regularly three times a week (I try to make it 4, but haven't gotten to that point yet).
I have felt hungrier after a workout but I don't crave junky stuff, sometimes I'll eat more dinner, that's true. I don't have that feeling after every work out at all.
as for it allowing me to feel I can have more treats, for me when I see a goodie I think how much work at the gym it would take to eliminate those calories, and so it has the effect of helping me keep that treat out of my mouth.
you'll never convince me that exercise doesn't have many more benefits than otherwise (flexibility, muscle tone, cardiovascular, skeletal structure, mental, psychological, energy levels, stamina; the general overall functioning of your body, it's shape and look). I don't think you need to be a gym goer, any regular exercise at a good intensity, and free weights are fantastic. it has an added benefit, imho, of giving me a better sense of self discipline.
exercise can play a social function too; I see people at my gym I'm friendly with.
that said, if I don't keep track of my calories, I don't lose weight even if I exercise more. can you lose weight and not exercise? of course, I've done it (100 lbs once). I do think developing my exercise program and sticking to it has been key for me in losing weight that I have so far and in keeping it off. I feel healthier now than maybe ever before in my life. I'm excited thinking about getting more of this fat tissue gone!
these articles can twist around what scientific studies show, sometimes it really is better to go with what your common sense, gut and experience tells you.