What is the importance of exercise?

twinketta
twinketta Posts: 2,130 Member
edited January 24 in Fitness and Exercise
For me, when I joined MFP I didn`t really see much hope of losing any weight because I had been on so many `diets` in the past, I really thought, `here I go again` trying something else.

So I ate at the MFP goals and I walked a lot with my little dog and unbelievably (for me) the lbs started to come off...so I carried on with the whole MFP goals and walking and eventually I reached my goal weight.

so I carried on for those extra 5lbs of weight loss and I got there...YAY

But then I realised that if I had started doing more than walking...like doing some weights at the start or even upping the walk to a run then I would have been more happy with the results.

What I am trying to say is, especially to any one who is just starting out...get with the weights and resistance training at the start.

For me, I am trying really hard now to tone up the excess loose skin. Especially around the arms.

What is the importance of exercise in your opinion?

does exercise matter to you?

Replies

  • vorgas
    vorgas Posts: 741 Member
    A few of the benefits of exercise:
    Lower resting HR
    Improved cardiovascular system
    Improved lymbic system
    Improved cardiopulmonary system
    Increased bone density
    Increased VO2 Max
    Increased muscular endurance
    Higher max HR
    Increased recovery time
    Improved metabolism
    Improved flexibility
    Improved joint health
    Improved digestive system
    Improved nervous system
    Improved balance
    Improved coordination
    Improved motor control
    Improved concentration
    Improved reflexes
    Lower cholesterol
    Lower blood pressure

    Which is why it drives me round the bend when I hear "oh I just blew all my exercise by eating a pizza." No you didn't. You only blew the calorie count. A small, small, small, small, teeny, tiny fraction of what exercise does for you. It's the surest sign, to me, that the person is focused on weight and not health.
  • Anna800
    Anna800 Posts: 639 Member
    I believe the saying that losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise. I exercise so I can eat more, once I enter in my exercise calories I get a larger number of calories to eat! I lift weights to tone the shape of my body (no cottage cheese thighs or wiggly arms) and increase my metabolism.
  • phjorg1
    phjorg1 Posts: 642 Member
    Exercise matters little for your weight. Exercise is everything for how you look at that weight.
  • sozisraw
    sozisraw Posts: 418 Member
    I've exercised all my life, fat or thin . I lost about 24lbs this year and my skin is fine! But I had good genetics skin wise ( barely a stretch mark after two children) this time the skin firmed up a little after the quick weight loss periods. Skin can recover up to a couple years later and muscle can fill it out nicely, so you could still benefit
  • bettepower
    bettepower Posts: 73 Member
    Libido
  • highervibes
    highervibes Posts: 2,219 Member
    Exercise improved my blood pressure and it earns me more food, WIN. I also don't feel like I'm 100 years old when Im playing with my kids. Starting NROLFW next week... I'm kind of nervous!
  • twinketta
    twinketta Posts: 2,130 Member
    The thing I believe now is if you lose weight you will just be a smaller and a `more loose skin` type of person than you are now.

    If you put in some weights/resistance exercise when you start, even if like me, you think you are not going to ever get to your goal weight......


    ........then you will have a better looking and toned body.
  • twinketta
    twinketta Posts: 2,130 Member
    Exercise improved my blood pressure and it earns me more food, WIN. I also don't feel like I'm 100 years old when Im playing with my kids. Starting NROLFW next week... I'm kind of nervous!

    Good luck with it, I am on day 4 now of GM`s 30 day shred, I wish I had believed in myself earlier and started earlier!

    Wishing you great results
  • pestopoli
    pestopoli Posts: 111 Member
    Libido

    Hear hear!
  • highervibes
    highervibes Posts: 2,219 Member
    Exercise improved my blood pressure and it earns me more food, WIN. I also don't feel like I'm 100 years old when Im playing with my kids. Starting NROLFW next week... I'm kind of nervous!

    Good luck with it, I am on day 4 now of GM`s 30 day shred, I wish I had believed in myself earlier and started earlier!

    Wishing you great results

    If I didn't learn of it from posts like these I probably wouldn't be starting :)
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