Is exercise pointless?

crobby

Am I the only one that doesn't see the purpose of exercising just to eat a few more calories? It seems to just cancel itself out!

thenebean9

the whole thing with exercise is that it builds muscle. and muscle will burn more calories than fat, so you are boosting your metabolism. and it's healthy for you! keeps your body in shape! that's all the reason i need

carrieliz81

Really??? You see no benefit to heart health and general wellness? Bodies need to move to function!

fiendiish

How about improving your cardiovascular health, increase endurance, build strength, strengthen your bones, keep your metabolism up, keep you active and making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Not to mention the sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself, the increase in daily energy and adrenalin.

Just that is a good enough reason for me.

squoozyq

Wow, how could exercise be pointless? Gets the blood pumping, the muscles tightening, the lungs functioning, gets the libido going...quells anxiety and depression. What doesn't exercise do?

MandasCorner

I kinda felt the same way at first but now I think it motivates me to actually do some exercise because then I get to eat more, I'm just trying to make healthier choices with what I eat I am also noticing that I am able to do more physically. Small amounts as it may be, I know that will increase the more I get active. I am also starting to feel slightly stronger too.

laddyboy

There are many benefits to exercise other than being able to eat more calories. Their is Cardio exercise which builds up your cardiovascular system so you get a stronger heart and live longer. Then their is resistance training. Builds lean muscle. As you build lean muscle your metabolish increases and allows you to eat more food without gaining all that weight back. Those are just 2 of the many benefits of exercise. Now get off the couch and hit the gym..LOL

aippolito1

My grandpa died of a heart attack. So this is a way for me to not only keep my heart strong, but also to build muscle, endurance, burn FAT (when you lose weight, you lose more than just fat - you could be losing muscle if you're not on a healthy plan, and you also lose water). Exercising has loosened up my joints so that I'm not as stiff anymore.

There are so many benefits to exercising than just losing weight!! And I don't usually exercise SO I can eat more... (although sometimes, I do!) it's usually that I do it because I want to feel good and feel accomplished and know my body is capable of doing amazing things...and then yes, I eat those calories back, because I know I can't have too large a deficit.

Bratkins

Actually, beyond the fact that exercise improves my health and makes me feel better I think the fact that you earn more calories back is great motivation to go to the gym or go take my dog for a long walk/run. It isn't truly cancelling out since you are not going above what you are alloted for the day.

vinjama

I smell Troll!

PJilly

Plus, you can't build hot-looking muscle with diet alone! :bigsmile:

LongMom

My main motivation for exercising? ENERGY.

I can't put a value on the energy I get from exercising! It's made me such a happier person

missouri_rain

I find there are so many benefits to exercise, for me I have to exercise in order to live, yes really

lilay

All of the reasons everyone mentioned are right but I have to say the number 1 reason I like to exercise has nothing to do with weight loss. It is STRESS!!!! We are going through are very high stress period of our lives and ever since I started working out I feel happier and I feel like I deal with things so much better. My husband and I argue less. I was one of those people that would subconsciously pick an argument just so I could let off some steam. So even if I had lost no weight the emotional benefits would still be 100% worth it for me.

heebiejeebie

I agree with Vinjama.
Do not feed the troll!

squoozyq

I agree with Vinjama.
Do not feed the troll!

Troll?? I'm lost, but that's not unusual.

VSgirl2010

If your not exercising for weightloss then by all means do it for other reasons. Stronger muscles, stronger heart and lung function, stave off or minimize arthritis in later yrs, builds strong bones, helps lower bad cholesterol, the list goes on and on......:happy:

LittleSpy

In terms of weight loss based on the way MFP sets up your calorie deficits? Yes, exercise is pointless.

But, in terms of your HEALTH? Um, no, exercise is in no way pointless.

If you need to think about it on different terms, why don't you eat maintenance calories and then use exercise to creat your calorie deficit? It's the same thing as pre-setting a calorie deficit into your diet and then eating your exercise calories, but looking at it that way seems to help some people understand the big picture a little more.

OnieBee

All of the reasons everyone mentioned are right but I have to say the number 1 reason I like to exercise has nothing to do with weight loss. It is STRESS!!!! We are going through are very high stress period of our lives and ever since I started working out I feel happier and I feel like I deal with things so much better. My husband and I argue less. I was one of those people that would subconsciously pick an argument just so I could let off some steam. So even if I had lost no weight the emotional benefits would still be 100% worth it for me.

That is my FAVORITE benefit of exercise! My husband and I actually workout together and it has made our relationship so much better!!!

gnme4243

My main motivation for exercising? ENERGY.

I can't put a value on the energy I get from exercising! It's made me such a happier person

110% AGREED!!! Besides, I rarely eat my exercise calories, that has nothing to do with why I exercise!

ydavyd

100 Benefits of Exercise


A major and often overlooked benefit of exercise is that it helps you to sleep better.

But the benefits of exercise don't stop there. Below are 100 other benefits of exercise (not necessarily in order of importance).
1. Reduces blood pressure
2. Reduces cholesteral levels
3. Increases the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol in the blood)
4. Reduces chances for coronary heart disease
5. Increases efficiency of heart and lowers resting heart rate
6. Makes heart muscles stronger
7. Improves contractile function of the heart
8. Strengthens lungs
9. Improves respiratory function
10. Improves cardiovascular endurance and performance
11. Provides more oxygen to body, including organs and muscles
12. Provides more nutrient supply to the body
13. Reduces chances for stroke
14. Helps to alleviate varicose veins
15. Increases metabolic rate
16. Stimulates digestion
17. Makes digestion more efficient
18. Stimulates intestinal movements, resulting in better elimination of wastes
19. Reduces changes for colon cancer
20. Strengthens and develops muscles
21. Increases efficiency of muscles
22. Benefits joints due to stronger muscles
23. Helps maintain cartilage health in the joints
24. Eases muscular tension
25. Alleviates back problems
26. Increases muscle flexible and agility
27. Improves speed of muscle contraction and reaction time
28. More healthy skin due to the fact that skin pores open more during exercise, resulting in more efficient removal of dirt and impurities
29. Burns up and removes toxins from body
30. Increases blood flow to the brain
31. Stimulates growth of nerve cells in memory center of the brain
32. Improves various indexes of psychological functioning
33. Enhances brain functioning by increasing the amount of oxygen available to it
34. Increases sense of well being
35. Increases resistance to pain because endorphin levels are elevated
36. Increases sense of excitement because hormone epinephrine is elevated
37. Alleviates boredom
38. Lessens worry and tension
39. Reduces stress by removing lactic acid from blood
40. Alleviates anxiety and/or pain because tranquilizing effect of exercise lasts for several hours
41. Enhances mood
42. Reduces anxiety more effectively and safely than anxiety-reducing medication
43. Boosts energy
44. Improves self-esteem and self-confidence since body and mind are improved and strengthened
45. Increases sense of self control
46. Provides source of pleasure and fun
47. Releases anger and negative emotions
48. Reduces depression more effective than short or long-term psychotherapy
49. Enhances coordination, power, timing and balance
50. Boosts immune system functioning
51. Reduces severity of asthma
52. Improves functioning of organs
53. Can relieve tension headaches
54. Can reduce the urge to smoke because the adrenaline rush and stress relief from a brief workout can replace similar feelings smokers get from tobacco
55. Burns calories
56. Causes body to use calories more efficiently
57. Causes weight loss
58. Allows one to keep lost weight from returning
59. Can act as an appetite suppressant
60. Decreases fat tissue
61. Improves physical appearance
62. Enhances one's image and opinion of the body
63. Improves bone density and prevents osteoporosis
64. Reduces joint discomfort
65. Help manage arthritis
66. Allows one to feel better about their bodies and enjoy sex more as a result
67. Provides enhanced ability to achieve orgasm
68. Allows for greater sexual satisfaction
69. Can reduce or eliminate impotence due to increased blood flow
70. Prevents or manages type 2 diabetes
71. Helps insulin work better, lowering blood sugar
72. Has a significant salutary effect on fibrinogen levels
73. Alleviates menstrual cramps
74. Improves athletic performance
75. Can add years to one's life
76. Enhances quality of life
77. Reduces pain and disability
78. Improves glycogen storage
79. Reduces risk of developing certain types of cancers of the colon, prostate, uterine lining and breast and other chronic diseases
80. Regulates hormones
81. Allows you to overcome illness or injury more quickly
82. Can lessen medical bills
83. Reduces anxiety by causing fewer worries about health
84. Can allow for better performance at work
85. Allows one to stay independent as they get older
86. Can keep health care insurance premiums lower
87. Makes one more attractive to potential mates
88. Allows for healthy pregnancy
89. Increases energy and ability to do things one likes
90. Allows you to be more productive and less stymied by stress and depression
91. Can help make possible increased income due to increased energy
92. Allows one to become more familiar with their body and its functioning
93. Can stimulate mentally
94. Lets one eat more without gaining weight
95. Provides a healthy break from work
96. Adds variety and spice to life
97. Gives one increased ability to defend oneself and loved ones if needed
98. Provides a natural high afterwards, such as runners' high
99. Provides heightened alertness
100. Reduces inflammation


http://www.sleeplikethedead.com/exer-100benefits.html

ron2282

Since I started exercising, my headaches have gone away and I have more energy. No headaches make me a much happier and nicer person to be around.....at least that why my husband says. :laugh:

xTattooedDollx

Wow? Pointless? Hellz no! Listen to what the others have posted, its very good advice!!!

timandavan

I think i just need to qoute "Elle" from leagally blonde. Excersice gives you endorphines, endorphines make you happy! Happy people just don't kill people. They just don't.

softlyspoken68

POINTLESS? are you kidding me? it shouldn't be just about weightloss...OUR entire existence is built on moving our bodies...we were not created to sit...
there's many benefits to exercise other than cancelling out calories...

Ryhenblue

Here's what the Mayo Clinic has to say about exercise. Troll or no Troll there are other people on this website wondering why they should exercise if they can just cut calories to lose weight.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity

You know exercise is good for you — but do you know how good? From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, find out how exercise can improve your life.
By Mayo Clinic staff

Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than old-fashioned exercise.

The merits of regular physical activity — from preventing chronic health conditions to promoting weight loss and better sleep — are hard to ignore. And the benefits are yours for the taking, regardless of age, sex or physical ability. Need more convincing? Check out seven specific ways exercise can improve your life.

1. Exercise improves your mood.

Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down.

Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression.

2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent osteoporosis? Physical activity might be the ticket.

Regular physical activity can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.

And there's more. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.

Want to drop those excess pounds? Trade some couch time for walking or other physical activities.

This one's a no-brainer. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but physical activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.

4. Exercise boosts your energy level.

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Don't throw in the towel. Regular physical activity can leave you breathing easier.

Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep.

Struggling to fall asleep? Or stay asleep? It might help to boost your physical activity during the day.

A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And you guessed it — physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. There's a caveat, however. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may be too energized to fall asleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to exercise earlier in the day.

6. Exercise can put the spark back into your sex life.

Are you too tired to have sex? Or feeling too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Physical activity to the rescue.

Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women, and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise — especially as they get older.

7. Exercise can be — gasp — fun!

Wondering what to do on a Saturday afternoon? Looking for an activity that suits the entire family? Get physical!

Physical activity doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!

Are you convinced? Good. Start reaping the benefits of regular physical activity today!

gecallo

I smell Troll!

{sniff...sniff} Hmmmm...lol!

deckerp

You could look at exercise like the glass being half empty or half full too.

Eating lots is something you DON'T DO on a diet (negative)

vs

Exercising is something you can DO on or off a diet (positive)


Combine them so neither sticking to a diet or exercising is quite so hard.

loulou1949

I am 61 and now a true believer in exercise !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My joints no longer hurt as much as they did and I know that weight loss has a lot to do with that,but the range of movement increases. It overall makes you feel so-o-o-o much better. I feel great.

msciccone1

Thanks so much for sharing the 100 reasons to exercise :flowerforyou:

I honestly cannot eat enough of my calories right now after burn but I refuse to let up on exercise because I love how it is toning me even at my large size, firming my butt, slimming my face and most importantly giving me energy to run around with my 2 toddler girls. Oh and did I mention that after having asthma for the last 8 years without it getting any better I am now down to using my inhaler once a day just as precaution since I am almost down 50 lbs. That is reason enough for me! :bigsmile:

CasperO

Maybe hangin' out under a bridge somewhere, looking for goars, I'da know.

I do know this - a year ago I could barely get off the couch. It was all I could do just to stagger through a day at my lame *kitten* desk job. Now I feel like bionic superman on crank. Oh yeah,,, sit on the couch if you wanna'... I like to move it move it. :laugh: