Can exercise change my body if I'm eating maintenance cals?

torizia

Hi all,
I'm in an odd situation where my upper body is underweight but my thighs are still large. I think I should start eating maintenance calories as I don't want to lose any more weight, but as I understand it:
- I won't gain muscle unless I eat above maintenance
- I won't lose fat unless I'm at a deficit.
Does this mean that there's no point in me doing cardio/weightlifting if I'm aiming to burn what I eat? Or can exercise still improve my body?
Thanks
Toria

carrotstick2012

Exercise will still help keep you toned and fit and will help you feel your best.

rachaela06

I'm not an expert, but we are in the same boat. I eat maintence, workout 6 days a week, and eat back my exercise calories. I try to eat really healthy everyday. Right now I am working on increasing my calories, would like to gain some more muscle. It really depends on what you want your body to look like. As for my body changing with exercise it has, a lot. I have a lot less soft spots, and more muscle definition. I'm no where near what I want to be, but I'm working on it!!