Question about non-calorie burning workouts

rstrode
rstrode Posts: 13 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I have been using MFP for real for about 11 days. I have walked/jogged for 5 of those days and my legs and knees really hurt. So I am going to give them a couple of days off, but I still want to do something....

Let's say theoretically that someone is in dreadful shape. Lets call this someone rstrode. Very overweight, but also not at all fit. If I try pushups and/or situps I may be able to do VERY few. In theory, I would burn almost no calories doing a pushup or two and a handful of situps. So what is the benefit?

Logically, it seems like their must be one. Like I must be improving my health/fitness overall, but I would like a more informed opinion. What might I get beyond just burning a few calories?

Replies

  • hearthemelody
    hearthemelody Posts: 1,025 Member
    For cardio workouts the most benefit is to be had by the burning of calories. That being said...

    In strength training, you can avoid muscle loss as well as gain strength while losing weight. As the pounds drop away the muscles underneath will become more visible and you will both look and feel better.

    I am currently working on Stronglifts 5x5 and I love it! Both my husband and I, as out of shape as we are, can complete each session.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

    Let me know if you have any questions!
  • runnergrlfl
    runnergrlfl Posts: 82 Member
    Nobody starts going to yoga because they’re already a Yogi, and no one starts lifting weights because they’re already a Strongman.

    Everyone has to start somewhere. For you, maybe one or two pushups and a handful of sit ups is your start. Maybe, in a few weeks, you can do 5 pushups. In a few more, you can do 10. And, as you increase your ability in what you can do, you increase your endurance and your strength and in turn, your calorie burn.

    Progress, not perfection, right? That's the benefit beyond burning a few calories.
  • knra_grl
    knra_grl Posts: 1,566 Member
    Nobody starts going to yoga because they’re already a Yogi, and no one starts lifting weights because they’re already a Strongman.

    Everyone has to start somewhere. For you, maybe one or two pushups and a handful of sit ups is your start. Maybe, in a few weeks, you can do 5 pushups. In a few more, you can do 10. And, as you increase your ability in what you can do, you increase your endurance and your strength and in turn, your calorie burn.

    Progress, not perfection, right? That's the benefit beyond burning a few calories.

    This and there are always modified versions of exercise that you could very well do - I would check online for some simple exercises to get you started until you can progress to the more complicated versions.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    Being able to eventually do 25 or 50 or 100 pushups and becoming a bada$$ would be a nice benefit. Keep working at it.
  • craigheon
    craigheon Posts: 167 Member
    Taking action and doing movement is progress, especially if none has been done in the past. As for the pushups, try doing them standing, against the wall. Think of the wall as the floor. Instead of you going down on the floor, simply stand and try to do some. As you become more proficient, move your feet further away from the wall. When you feel you can, try to do some on the floor, using your bodyweight. If you can't, put your knees on the floor and do a modified pushup. Every little bit helps. Take baby steps if you haven't done much in a while. It may feel like nothing to you, but it is something, and you'll eventually get to the point where you are just doing them, and making new goals for yourself.

    Good luck!!
  • rstrode
    rstrode Posts: 13 Member
    Thanks everyone for the responses. I think I found something beneficial in all of them. Once up on a time I was in good shape and would have people place a 45 pound plate on my back while I did pushups. That was high school. Now I am not sure if I can do one. I will start small, work up, and try not to worry about embarassment. I appreciate the advice. Tonight is step one.

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