Vowing not to excercise

13

Replies

  • Afterblue
    Afterblue Posts: 78 Member
    You're not crazy. Identifying your "weaknesses" per se and doing something about them does not make you crazy. One goal at a time... or at least not too many ;)
    This. After all you didn't say vowing NEVER to exercise.

    There are some people who can do everything at once and more power to them. However, making small realistic changes over time is the best way to ensure you will make the lifestyle overhaul needed to keep the weight off for the rest of your life.

    I would however say that I hope you do consider adding exercise in little increments as your food habits get in a healthier place. Exercise has more benefits than just weight loss, and as a woman weight training and cardiovascular activity will help your bones, joints, flexibility, lung capacity and make it easier for your body to tackle the times when your food habits do go a bit awry (think Thanksgiving). I am not a proponent of dieting alone, as some people here are, but a huge proponent of making smaller, manageable changes over time. You are changing your lifestyle here and it involves a lot of bits and pieces that you will need to manage.
  • Hakarn
    Hakarn Posts: 62 Member
    I would do the opposite from what you are suggesting. Start by getting an exercise routine down - whether that be running, walking, strength, or a combination. Even if you overeat while you are exercising, you will still be building some muscle. Once you have the exercise part integrated into your life, you can start incorporating dieting. Since you would have built some more lean mass, the pounds will drop off even faster than if you just did dieting by itself to start off.

    Anything you lose right now by dieting and not exercising will be a huge chunk of muscle (along with the fat). That will only slow your metabolism and make it harder to pick up exercising later on.
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    So how about you exercise and eat more? That is kind of how MFP is set up.. you eat back what you exercise off and still wind up in a deficit at the end of the day and lose weight.

    I really don't see how this so complicated.. Log what you eat, exercise, lose weight and look better.. Simple.

    Also, cleaning is not exercise nor is walking to the subway, taking the stairs at work etc... That is part of your lifestyle and you should treat it as such.
  • mcarter99
    mcarter99 Posts: 1,666 Member
    There are good reasons to start exercise later. Weight Watchers is one plan that doesn't have people hit the gym or the track in week 1. Lose a few pounds, see how things work, get some confidence. Success breeds success. Adding exercise out of nowhere can cause a stall for a while. If you don't lose in your first week or two, rational people usually quit their plan.

    Plus there is the whole 'eating back' issue here. You will be able to judge better if your TDEE and intake estimates are decent if you don't also add in 'eating back' to the equation right off the bat. Keep it simple at first.

    I don't know if there is really any significant 'lean body mass sparing effect' from running or not running for a couple months of one's diet. You'd think studies would show that dieters who don't exercise are ruining their bodies, if so, and we'd all be strongly cautioned against it.

    I've lost significant weight both ways. In both cases, I was just a smaller version of myself at the end.
  • There are many other forms of exercise rather than running.
    May I ask how much you weigh? You said you're too heavy to run and it's hard on your joints which is understandable.
    However I weighed about 225 when I first began to run and it makes a BIG difference running on outside pavement vs treadmill, the treadmill is a lot less pressure on your joints.
    I don't agree with the statement that "running 3x a week" wont do anything unless I move move move...
    Even getting exercise in 3x a week makes a huge difference!
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    This is what worked for me actually. I spent my first couple of months on MFP learning to eat better. I very occasionally exercised, but I really waited about 2 months before I started exercising regularly and even then, it was only 2 to 3 times per week.
  • Trsthr
    Trsthr Posts: 4 Member
    No, you're not crazy. Past experience has shown me that when I exercise too much, I get a false sense of security that triggers eating. This time, I just concentrate on eating better while staying under my calorie limit. We can shovel it in faster than we can burn it off.

    I do go to the gym twice a week, but it's more to move and stay mobile vs. trying to burn up 500 calories. I lift light weights, do a few calisthenics and walk/jog on the treadmill. I never overdue it. I enjoy the gym now instead of dreading it.

    I understand what you mean, one focus at a time.
  • todietfor
    todietfor Posts: 48


    Ignore the negative comments. Some people are ridiculous.


    lol...how ironic. you confirm her choice to not exercise and those who say exercise is a better approach are ridiculous.

    thats so funny and so sad.

    No, I don't think anyone with differing opinions is ridiculous, nor people who support exercise. But there's a difference between suggesting ways to ease in to exercise (as OP said she was trying to do) and telling her she's convinced herself to be lazy. The latter kind of negative comment is what I deemed ridiculous.
  • SafioraLinnea
    SafioraLinnea Posts: 628 Member
    Please feel free to ignore the people who aren't supportive of your choices. They don't know you as a person, nor do they know your body and what it is capable of. If you think your way will be successful then do it and do it the best way you possibly can. Once you have a solid grasp on eating healthy, I encourage you to pick up some exercise even once a week. Taking it in steps may be the best choice for you at this time. Congratulations on starting your journey!
  • KaidaKantri
    KaidaKantri Posts: 401
    You don't necessarily have to run to exercise. There are plenty of other options, like taking a walk, hiking, swimming, doing a DVD like Jillian or Biggest loser (you can still take them pretty easy first starting too)
    For me personally, if I don't go for a walk or do some kind of exercise, I set myself up for failure. I don't do the whole just cut calories and don't exercise thing. It doesn't work for me at all. Plus, after a good walk, or workout, I feel a lot better. When you first start, it is really hard to change your whole lifestyle around. I started out with walks in the mornings, then moved up my exercise as I went along to how much I felt I could handle. My suggestion would be to exercise too if you rare looking to get healthy. Even if it's just a 20 min walk. :)
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Do what you want. You don't need anyone's permission.
  • dwyadygwyad
    dwyadygwyad Posts: 46 Member
    No, you're not crazy. Past experience has shown me that when I exercise too much, I get a false sense of security that triggers eating. This time, I just concentrate on eating better while staying under my calorie limit. We can shovel it in faster than we can burn it off.

    I do go to the gym twice a week, but it's more to move and stay mobile vs. trying to burn up 500 calories. I lift light weights, do a few calisthenics and walk/jog on the treadmill. I never overdue it. I enjoy the gym now instead of dreading it.

    I understand what you mean, one focus at a time.

    EXACTLY- "false sense of security that triggers eating", so well said! Basically, I'm not ready for an exercise regimen yet- basically because I'm way better at exercising than I am eating!!! I can run 3-5 miles but I can't control how I eat after it- not yet at least. If I start a running routine again without getting my sugar under control- for me it's the sugar/ carb train that is my downfall, I'm just going to be doing the same thing I've always done.

    If I do what I've always done, I'll get what I've always gotten. Time to focus on what I really need to change- cleaning up my diet.
  • CajunNino
    CajunNino Posts: 269
    I'm not sure how to respond...but if I had the choice to exercise I would. I have a broken back, in a wheelchair,.... awaiting surgery. The only "exercise" I'm allowed to have is under supervision during Physical Therapy. I've still been able to control what goes in my mouth. It's possible to lose weight without exercise, sure..... but if you only knew what it's like to not have that option, maybe you'd try to get in some form of exercise routine. Walking, anything. Please do!

    My ultimate goal is not a number on the scale - I'm going to recover from surgery and run again. Those that can run now, JUST DO IT!!
  • Becky3701
    Becky3701 Posts: 49
    I would do the opposite from what you are suggesting. Start by getting an exercise routine down - whether that be running, walking, strength, or a combination. Even if you overeat while you are exercising, you will still be building some muscle. Once you have the exercise part integrated into your life, you can start incorporating dieting. Since you would have built some more lean mass, the pounds will drop off even faster than if you just did dieting by itself to start off.

    Anything you lose right now by dieting and not exercising will be a huge chunk of muscle (along with the fat). That will only slow your metabolism and make it harder to pick up exercising later on.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    you know, this doesn't have to be an "all or nothing" kind of thing. you can start trying to eat better a little bit every week, and a little bit every week you try and be a little better at running/exercising.

    so many people tell themselves "oh, i'm going to eat better!!" and throw away all their junk food and anything that isn't healthy. and then two weeks later when they stop at a gas station and go inside to pay, they pick themselves up every snack in sight.

    or they tell themselves they want to be a runner, so of course they pick up a marathon training plan and aren't prepared for the distances, the speed, the time, the fuel necessary to maintain the training, and succumb to fatigue and injuries.
  • Becky3701
    Becky3701 Posts: 49
    I would do the opposite from what you are suggesting. Start by getting an exercise routine down - whether that be running, walking, strength, or a combination. Even if you overeat while you are exercising, you will still be building some muscle. Once you have the exercise part integrated into your life, you can start incorporating dieting. Since you would have built some more lean mass, the pounds will drop off even faster than if you just did dieting by itself to start off.

    Anything you lose right now by dieting and not exercising will be a huge chunk of muscle (along with the fat). That will only slow your metabolism and make it harder to pick up exercising later on.
    ^^^
    This is a good idea. In the past I started out just exercising- soon after I WANTED to eat healthier.
  • dwyadygwyad
    dwyadygwyad Posts: 46 Member
    I should have made myself clearer. I'm not opposed to exercise. I'm just not focusing on a regimen right now.

    I will continue to exercise.

    THE KEY IS, I'm not going to fool myself into thinking it's going to save me from all the calories I've eaten.
  • whatsajosh
    whatsajosh Posts: 15 Member
    I hear you!! :smile: The last thing I wanted to do every day was work out after waking up at 3am and going to work BUT I started reading more about health and realized how important it is to get moving. I'm a radio guy so I sit behind a mic most of the day, the laziest of lazy! LOL But my dad died of cancer, my mom came close, people are depressed now more than ever and I came to the realization that I want none of that. I don't want to be fit for looks, I want to be healthy (mind, body and soul) and all that starts with exercise.

    I found working on small goals really helped lead to larger ones.

    Good luck!
  • GaryRussell123456
    GaryRussell123456 Posts: 87 Member
    you have convinced yourself to be lazy. congratulations.
    Yeah and that profile pic is you! Easy to knock isn't it?
  • Just thought maybe you'd find these pages helpful to encourage you however you decide to take things
    https://www.facebook.com/notadiet
    https://www.facebook.com/gokaleo

    I mention these as my own inspiration because they're normal ladies who've found their health and happiness in their own ways. Good luck with whichever path you take, and here's to a healthy and happy life! :drinker:
  • dwyadygwyad
    dwyadygwyad Posts: 46 Member
    you have convinced yourself to be lazy. congratulations.
    Yeah and that profile pic is you! Easy to knock isn't it?

    Thank you much! You've come a long way yourself!! Well done!
  • SPNLuver83
    SPNLuver83 Posts: 2,050 Member
    mmm I can't say I agree with this approach... Exercise shapes your body, it improves your cardiovascular system, and revs up your metabolism. Feeling hungry after working out is completely normal, you're suppose to eat! Perhaps the issue is you feel guilty for eating more? But you should be... Yes, nutrition is a huge part of weight loss, but not exercising is totally gonna hinder your results. Exercising helps keep muscle on while losing fat as well. There's just soooo many benefits to it I can't imagine not including it.

    If you want to change your body, you gotta push yourself. And if that means working out on top of moving more, then so be it! Change does not happen in the comfort zone hun.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJoF0wJNGwE
  • tmauck4472
    tmauck4472 Posts: 1,785 Member
    you have convinced yourself to be lazy. congratulations.

    OMG ignore stupid people, sounds like Bobby is back

    Actually not so stupid. Losing weight is a mentality. If she doesnt want to work for it, and just wants it to happen easily, then yes, she is lazy. She might as well go and get lipo. What is earned through hard work is always more appreciated. Sound like to me she is about to starve herself. You do that enough, then yeah...you will lose weight easily.

    Oh, and P.S.- I quit smoking two weeks ago, started working out at about the same time, and have gotten rid of all unhealthy things in my kitchen. I go without a microwave, and thus I am learning to cook. I am learning about my nutrition. I made the choice to go to school full time. I know a thing or two about change.

    To me, that This week I am going to......seems just too frivolous to me. too much room for failure. But, that is just my opinion. I guess I am in the minority. But good luck. None of this I mean menacingly.

    no it is stupid....she is doing what she feels she needs to do...her biggest mistake it putting it on here to get people's go ahead, she should have just done it. When I started this I did not exercise at all for the first 4 months and I lost about the same amount that I'm losing now. Now I exercise almost everyday and am eating low calories. I'm still losing the same so I could go without exercise if I wanted to I just choose to do it because I enjoy it. Not everyone's way is right or wrong, but it's the way we feel is best for us. She has chosen this way for the time being which makes it right for her.
  • HellySuccess
    HellySuccess Posts: 39 Member
    I don't think you're crazy at all! Do whatever works for you and makes you feel good about yourself, your body and your life. More power to you.
  • MSimm62385
    MSimm62385 Posts: 227
    Do what you need to do to curb your appetite at first, and then get exercise back in your routine. You don't want to wind up with the "skinny fat" look.
  • nikkiprickett
    nikkiprickett Posts: 412 Member
    I highly disagree, you're really not supposed to try to lose weight just by slashing calories (if that's what you're doing)
    there are a TON of alternatives, classes, elliptical (it's better because there's not impact on your knees because your feet never leave the pedals), yoga, walking....you really can't expect to look good when you lose weight if you're not exercising...
    also, your body needs exercise to maintain health!
    Don't think just about becoming skinny or losing weight, it's more of a health thing, when you get in that mind set, it's much easier...even if you just start with walking or a couple of minutes on an elliptical or yoga videos at home or whatever, your body needs activity, simple as that.
    And yes, you will be hungry on days you workout, that's supposed to happen because your body needs more for recovery, pick high protein things, bars, nuts, peanut butter etc...so it fills you up while repairing your muscles.
  • madworld1
    madworld1 Posts: 524
    I can see your reasoning behind this. If you think that this is the best strategy for you, then go for it. They say that it's best to start with small changes. I do believe that slow and steady wins the race in certain situations.

    When you feel more comfortable, how about adding a 10 minute walk after dinner every day? Then, increase it from there. I used to workout to strictly to burn calories. Now, I workout because it is good for my overall health. It gets my blood flowing and energizes my brain. I feel so tired and groggy if I don't workout.
  • TBinDC
    TBinDC Posts: 3 Member
    My counselor actually advised this method for me because I was overwhelmed with trying to rejigger my diet and start an exercise program. So, like you, I try to do more moving just generally (walk when I might drive, climb stairs when I might ride an elevator etc) and I take swim aerobics, which is fun for me and doesn't feel like work. But my main focus has been my diet.

    Altogether it's been less stressful this way and feels like something I can maintain. Once the eating becomes habit, I hope to ramp up the exercise because I want my body to be stronger and fit.

    Good luck!!!
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    It sounds to me like you have a plan that you think will work for you. I made all my changes at once, including making a shift in the way I view food. If you are having a difficult time viewing food as a good thing that fuels your mind, body, and activity and are maintaining a view that food I either good or evil and have a less is more mentality then havin this focus may be just what you need. Also, if someone came to me and said that I'm failing because I'm exercising and then getting too hungry to make wise decisions I would be very suspect that they are truly eating enough and listening to their body's needs for eating an fueling.

    Food is not the enemy, it's the source of all you do to function and do amazon things. I joke around that I exercise to eat, but I really eat to exercise.
  • sherri321
    sherri321 Posts: 12
    You do what works for you. I know a couple of women who have lost a signigicant amount of weight without exercising. They just started making healthier food choices and like you would do things like take the stairs when possible or park farther away at the store, etc. As they lost weight and got more comfortable with the changes they had made they moved on to incorporating some exercise.