Who Out There Loses Weight Without the Exercise

SorchaRavenlock

It is doable, I lost 60 pounds in a year with diet and 30 minutes walking a day. It all came back, but that was more because I got slack with both walking and portion sizes. Like the others said though, you'll end up skinny but flabby, while exercise will give you a more toned and healthier body.

Anyway, perhaps try and find exercise you enjoy, so it becomes fun and a way to relax rather then a chore. Don't like running or lifting weights? Perhaps check out Zumba, or any other type of dancing. Go swimming, or kick-boxing, whatever floats your boat.
If you prefer doing something quickly at home, there are several 20 minute exercise videos out there that can give you a good workout during the week when you don't have time for anything else. Just find one that looks like fun, that you'd enjoy. Even if you only do them 2 or 3 times a week, it will help.

yarwell

you need to lift heavy weights to keep your lean mass.

How "heavy" is heavy ? If I pick up my daughter's 8 pound exercise weight thing I can wave that around or pump my arm 20 times easily. I can lift a 44kg bag of coal without struggling, so how heavy are we talking about for a 5'-10" 175lb 50+ guy ?

1953Judith

I have arecent back problem (L3 spinal disk burst and is pressing on nerve). Between pain management, doctor's instructions, working full time, p/t, required p/t exercises (which take over an hour a day), I can no longer do the exercise that I once did for at least a year. At first, I was very concerned about both the potential to gain wait and my loss of strength. Now I am just greatful to keep moving. I have not gained weight and I am now trying to lose again. I just try to make healthy food and activity choices. I advise doing what you can do now in the way of exercise and keep a vision of utilizing extra time as it becomes available to incorporate more exercise or activity.

1953Judith

What I really wanted to say was, don't not try to lose weight just because you can't exercise. There are many important health reasons to take off the weight including reducing pressure on joints, lowering blood pressure, improving your cardiovacular system, etc.. Do try to stay active. Do try to eat healthy. Do try to take the weight off. I value the advice to exercise and build strength in a thoughtful manner and believe strongly in doing it when you can for a host of reasons well beyond appearance. However, do what you can to live a healthy lifestyle, starting in the place you are at. You can lose weight and you can improve your health. You can position yourself better for unexpected health challenges.

TheHaunt

I was previously on another weight loss program, but find that I am unwilling to pay them for it anymore. I have lost 65 lbs with only walking about 30 minutes a day... normal walking, not power walking.

My weight loss is slowing now, though, so I will probably be increasing my excercise. I have some physical issues that limit what I can do. Weight lifting, running, jogging, anything that pounds at the joints is out, so I'll maybe try some gentle excercises and isometrics.

Overall, for me, it's about weight loss first. I have a lot to lose and a life that doesn't allow a lot of free time or added expenses.

There's my 2 cents worth... take it for what it is.

marycmeadows

I'd rather find time to incorporate exercise in to my daily life and life an all over healthy life (this is a lifestyle change, it's not JUST about losing weight - and until someone, anyone, makes that connection and comes to that realization, any weight loss will not be permanent, or healthy).....

dlwyatt82

you need to lift heavy weights to keep your lean mass.

How "heavy" is heavy ? If I pick up my daughter's 8 pound exercise weight thing I can wave that around or pump my arm 20 times easily. I can lift a 44kg bag of coal without struggling, so how heavy are we talking about for a 5'-10" 175lb 50+ guy ?

Depends on the person. You keep adding weight until it's challenging to complete 5-8 reps for 3-5 sets (with 1-5 minutes of rest in between sets).

lesle1

If I had to chose between eating less and exercising .... I'd take exercising every time. I love the way it makes me feel. I love the extra energy! I love being able to eat what I want. I love feeling 20 years younger. : )

kiminikimkim

The first 6 weeks of MFP I didn't exercise. Like me, you will eventually hit a plateau. Your body will adapt and be able to sustain your weight on only 1200cals per day, thus affecting your weight loss.

Anyway, start with just the calories. When you see it stops working, add exercise.

Rockstar_sister

I started out the same way. I sit behind a desk all day long (40 hours a week) then, after work, I'd come home cook dinner, eat and go to bed. I had a gym membership and met with a trainer who told me: 80% is diet and 20% is gym. You have to eat right to lose the weight. I lost a lot without exercise, but as time went on, I wanted to exercise to help me speed up my metabolism. When I exercised, I would get up before work, go to the gym (by myself, no trainer), shower and get ready from there then go to work. It worked for me. I was headed out to go to the gym one Sunday afternoon when my husband and his friends where playing basketball at the courts as I was heading out. I thought I'd play for a few minutes before I went to the gym. I injured my knee (tore my ACL and shredded my mensci - which I just recently had surgery on and it will be 6 months before I am able to get back into the gym or do that type of exercise again). I have been sitting on the recliner with my leg propped up for 3 weeks now and still counting my calories ( a lot of times I am going over out of boredum) and I am still losing - it is definitely slower than I lost before, but I am still losing. I am frustrated with myself for getting hurt, but anyone can it without exercise. You will eventually hit a plateau and WANT to exercise. Not to mention, your exercise gives you more calories so if you eat more than what you are allowed, you can make it up with exercising! Good luck on your journey! We are always here to help and encourage! Feel free to send me a friend request!

LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo

I used to do that before because I was too lazy to workout & always made work schedule as an excuse not to workout. Yes I do lost weight with only dieting BUT (as in a big BUT) I didn't like the way how I look. While I lost the weight but I was still flabby overall & my body didn't shaped up the way I want. So in other words I became a skinny-fat. Aside from that I became weak. The worse of all, I regained everything once I reverted back to eating at maintenance.

You see everyone needs to exercise & your walking/running for 30 mins is a great way to start. Exercise is not just for losing weight, its for overall health. Think of it the same way as to why do we need to sleep, take a bath or brush our teeth. Losing weight is just an icing on the cake. I'm sure you can squeeze in some workout while at work. I'm also a busy person but I try exercise either at morning before work or evening when I get home but even at work, I try to squeeze in some push-ups, chair dips & walk more as much as possible. You can always find a way to exercise if you truly want to.

TheDoctorDana

No offense, but saying you don't have time to work out is just a cop out. A 15-20 min workout is sufficient. If the first lady can find the time, none of the rest of us have an excuse.

You will look better if you retain your lean mass with resistance training and you will be an overall healthier person aside from the aesthetics! Give it a try! Doesn't need to be heavy weights, can just be bodyweight exercises or the like.

Saying no offense, usually doesn't work. Just an FYI.

As for it being a cop out, I guess that could only be determined once you know me and my schedule. I work shift work, sometimes working 13 hrs a day with 2.5 hrs of travel. Once home, I'm not sure working out is the best for me, rather than getting rest due to 11 more days to go. Then I get my 2 days off.

Anyways, as for resistance training, I have given it a try, I used to hit the gym every 2nd day when I was on a normal 40 hr week a year back.

I was just curious to know, for a start anyways, if just the calorie counting would work just as well. Then once the pounds start to drop then start doing some resistance training.

I appreciate all the input from all of you, it's inspiring, thank-you!

Yeah, it never works but I try!

As I said, if the first lady can fit it in, I think there are very few people who cannot fit it in. If you wake up 30 min early you can fit it in twice a week before your shower. Twice a week! Just try it, I found that I ended up getting more energy from working out!

Well, for the record - I don't care if this causes offense (I'm not PC)...FactCheck.org reports that in 2009, our first lady's spokesperson reported that she had 24 people on HER staff. If I had that many people that I could delegate to, I promise you I would fit in time for exercise each day, as well.

However, as a school teacher - I have no assistants, aides, or anything other than the occasional high school student to run copies or file for me. *sigh* Please quit already with all that the first lady can miraculously do...I could accomplish oodles with just another one of me! :laugh:


Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

Thank you! You get a standing ovation from me :drinker:

yarwell

You keep adding weight until it's challenging to complete 5-8 reps for 3-5 sets (with 1-5 minutes of rest in between sets).

Hmm. Have to look around and see what I've got at different weights then.

jutymo

No offense, but saying you don't have time to work out is just a cop out. A 15-20 min workout is sufficient. If the first lady can find the time, none of the rest of us have an excuse.

And no offense intended in this response too but yes I could too if I had the resources available to me that Ms. Obama has to her, but of course I don't. Maybe I need my personal assistant to schedule gym time for me.

Sorry but this comment isn't relevant to the masses. I can't relate to what the First Lady does and while she has, I'm sure, a busy life all she has to do is say "I want to exercise regularly" and it will be taken care of for her (schedule it, get equipment, personal trainer if necessary, nutritionist).

I'm not trying to be snarky or mean but I know there's lots of things available to the First Lady that aren't available to me so I can't relate to a comment that says if she can do it, "none of the rest of us have an excuse".

CherryOnionKiss

definitely not me

thecaptain72

A friend of mine that I goto church with has hardly done any exercise and has lost 86 pounds. It can be done, but the more you can exercise is a plus. I started yesterday and I have to adjust. I have time to exercise but am to lazy. So I need to try and force myself. Good luck in all you do.

JOSE R.

Hmrjmr1

While time management has not been an issue, when I started my knees were. Here is how I did it I lost my first 80lbs or so pretty much on diet alone.

http://hmrjmr1.hubpages.com/hub/How-I-lost-65lbs-in-eight-months-and-you-can-too-The-Hammer-Jammer-Lifestyle-Program-Pt-1

It can be done but you will lose faster and more efficiently by maintaining your 30 X 3 per week. I won't wish you good luck cause there is no luck to it just your own hard work on either or both your diet and exercise. Roll with it...

HMRJMR1

cleavagefurrow

Me!
I've cut down my portions to small sizes now, and I've lost weight without any hardcore exercise. I mean, I walk at least 15 minutes every day (from bus stop to work and home), but aside from walking/standing, I haven't been doing anything else. Maybe 10 pushups every few days.
When I exercise, I get REALLY hungry and I sometimes can't control myself so I end up bingeing. Right now I plan on losing the weight I want to lose, and then I plan on doing a running program (maybe like couch to 5K but less intense) so I can eat more calories because I will only be maintaining and not losing.

I know a lot of people will probably encourage you to exercise, but honestly you don't NEED to exercise as long as you eat under your calorie goals and aren't in bed 100% of the time. Exercising is great, but not necessary for weight/fat loss. But my friend (who is a nurse) told me that even walking for 11 minutes a day is better than nothing. Good luck on your journey!

natalie412

I lost close to 20 pounds 1 1/2 years ago, counting calories using a different website. Then, I lost interest, and the weight started to creep back on (about 5 pounds or so). Last fall, I started with MFP, and really got into working out, starting with 30 day shred, then ripped in 30, then getting into running and kettlebell workouts. It has made all the difference. My body looks so different - I am in smaller sizes than I would have been in in the past at this weight (5'6", 136 lb, size 4 and 6, and smalls and some extra smalls). At first I exercised just so I could eat more, but it really has become a habit.

Exercise is the only way this has become a true life change for me!

lilyvale68

I lost 95 lbs while not exercising and have kept if off for nearly 4 years. I didn't use MFP. I simply started following my body's God given signals of waiting until I was hungry and stopping when I was full.

I started exercising just last November because I wanted to see what sort of difference it would make for me. I've dropped 5 more lbs since then. I love what the exercising is accomplishing for me in addition to the weight loss. I can run 2.5 miles. I have increased muscle tone and my clothes fit great.

Anyway, to the OP, only you know what your schedule can handle and what you're ready for. Small changes are worth celebrating. One change at a time is definitely valid and worth the effort. Good for you!

ribena1958

I am registered disabled and also have heart arrhythmia, my heart speeds up to the highest was 197 beats per minute, had to have my heart stopped several times, I am now on meds, so both my problems restrict me, but I try to do some exercise each day. Its not as others would see 'exercise' but for me, its an effort, I have a special cross trainer too, I can sit and not stand, so I do this twice per week, sometimes more, depends on my agility that day, but I can only allow my heart rate to go up to a certain level then have to stop, yes, you can loose weight without exercise, I've lost almost 10 stone so far. I still have a long way to go, exercise for me is doing something that makes me sweat! LOL and doesn't include running, jumping or work outs like I would LOOOOOVVVEEEE TO BE ABLE TO DO, but cannot because of my mobility problems. There are always exercises you can do though even if its sitting in a chair, just to keep those bones and muscles working xx

mom2gar

Honestly, I'm lazy. I know that hitting the gym6-7 days a week and switching things up won't last for me. I know, because I've tried it before. I work 7 days a week, almost 80 hours. I weigh in tomorrow morning offically for MFP, but at the Dr's office Friday was 23 down since Jan. without exercise.

That being said, I park as far away as I can, take the stairs - always - step back from my computer and do stretches for 5 mins every hour or so and sometimes thow in squats and lunges. I don't track these and I'm not adding to my calories I eat. but sitting at a desk for hours on end is not healthy and you have to take the time to shake it out or you'll get a stiff neck, so I take advatage of that time.

These are little things I know i can do the rest of my life and will. hitting the gym or working out at home never last for me. With the portion control and little breaks I do, I've gone down 2 sizes already. You just need to see what you can do in the time and space you have and take advatage of it. Good luck!

ChrisRN75495

Anyways my question overall is who out there just does the calorie intake?.. if so, how has your experience gone so far?

Me. I do walk sometimes half an hour or an hour at 3 miles per hour, but you're more likely to find me flying than in a gym.

I was losing weight long before using the MFP tools, I had to customise the goals to suit what I was doing. Me and published science don't believe you have to exercise to lose fat mass and with enough protein in your diet you retain plenty of muscle.

Just make certain you drink enough fluid. A high protein diet does conserve muscle, but it can be a bit rough on kidneys, so drink plenty of water (or whatever--they are now saying caffeine, no caffeine, just drink!).

As for losing weight without exercising, I have a chronic injury and chronic pain, so I know (after 26 years!) just how much I can do. I am not a "no pain, no gain" person, I believe pain is unacceptable and ways can be found to do what is needed comfortably.

I have lost 2-3 sizes in pants/shorts since starting. My issue has always been portion size. I eat healthy, it's just that I eat for two (or three or four if it's really good) unless I am paying attention. This site lets me do just that.

Also, sitting at a computer can be very sedentary, but it doesn't have to be inactive. There are some things you can do at your desk, flexing muscles, consciously sitting up straight and pulling in belly and letting it out, Kegels (let's not forget the benefit of Kegels!). When you get up to hit the restroom or coffee pot, stretch and bend and touch your toes, flex from side to side, hold onto something and do some deep knee bends. It all adds up. Most of this is to keep your circulation going. Jobs like yours (and most of us) set us up for bad stuff like DVT's (deep vein thromboses) and just these little things, once in a while through the day, can make for better odds.

And who knows--maybe a little more weight loss....

Welcome to MFP, and thanks for your post! You can friend me if you like...

Christine (also at a computer most of the day, nearly every day)

ChrisRN75495

A couple of years ago I lost around 40 lbs without exercise. Gained it all back very easily though. This time around I have very little time to exercise or cook between work and school, but I am still determined to do it right this time. So far I feel so much better even with only 9 lbs down! Seems losing 40 lbs without exercise didn't make me feel nearly as healthy and energetic as 9 lbs with exercise. Finding the time is worth it!

When you gained it all back, were you still limiting calories?