will this little bit of exercise do anything

scutofwump · March 2014

Although I think not what I'm here to discuss I do have treatment resistant depression and I don't do anything but lay around on my bed all day I have wanted to lose weight as I've gained about 50 pounds of between me being on medication it has weight gain and laying around all day I really have gained some weight. I cannot bring myself to get up and do a workout DVD but I can bring myself to exercise every time there's a commercial and do about 10 v sit ups do you think that just doing that will increase my ability to lose weight thank you

heybales · March 2014

Diet is for weight loss - done right just fat loss, done wrong muscle mass loss.

Exercise is for heart and mental health, and body improvements - done right helps fat only loss, done wrong muscle mass loss.

Forget the situps, that's not using a very big muscle at all, and not for very long, the impact will be negligible.

If you have the effort for that, then stand up and do squats down while raising your arms in front.
That is using the biggest muscles, and will have a better effect.

Whenever you have the strength to head out the door for a walk, do it. Or plan it and attempt it.

Also, without doing anything, your deficit should be minor (recommended 1 lb weekly), and your protein and should be double the default grams that are given - or you will risk losing muscle mass.
And you do NOT want to face losing fat with less muscle mass.
Meet your eating goals.

scutofwump · March 2014

Thank you for the information will try that

editorgrrl · March 2014

You lose weight by eating at a deficit. Work on logging everything you eat & drink accurately & honestly. Weigh your food.

Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

kgeyser · March 2014

Any exercise is good. If doing something during a commercial break is all the motivation you have right now, then go with it. If I may, I would like to suggest mixing it up and doing things other than sit-ups, which brings us to the Nerd Fitness Body Weight workout: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

The link has lots of info and video, but here's the gist of it:

20 body weight squats
10 push ups
20 walking lunges
10 dumbbell rows (using a gallon milk jug)
15 second plank
30 Jumping Jacks

The workout is meant be done one after the other, but you could easily knock out one or two exercises per commercial break and finish the entire workout over the span of an hour long TV show.

Remember that weight loss is going to come from diet more than anything else. If you have a calorie deficit by eating less than you burn, you will lose weight, exercise or not.

Lleldiranne · March 2014

Exercise is good for combating depression. I say start with exercising every time a commercial comes on. See how you feel. In a few weeks, you may notice that you have more energy and feel well enough to do a 20 minute exercise video (you can find some on youtube or fitnessblender) a few times a week, then build from there.

However, I agree with the others, that what you eat (or, rather, how much) is going to be the biggest factor in weight loss. I know it's hard when you're depressed, and some antidepressants can make it harder (I've suffered from depression for the past 2 decades ... I've been lucky that the medication didn't cause a lot of weight gain, but I do know that exercise has really helped me).

CatBird128 · March 2014

See if you can get a hold of a dog. Maybe a neighbour who has one, and offer to do walks. Just one walk a day, but obviously you'll have to go do it once you've given your word and you know they're relying on you. Most people who work would love to know someone is checking on the dog and letting it out while they're at work. You can ask at local vets/shelters to volunteer as a walker, or you can put up a sign in a vet's office.

The deal is that this commitment will MAKE you go out every day no matter what the weather - you'll eventually acquire all the clothing needed to do it rain/snow/sleet/hail etc. And you set a route that gives you a good walk, and then over time adjust it to go further.

It has multiple effects for depression: you get vitamin D from sun, even if just on face and hands at this time of year. You get to see the seasons change in the trees/gardens and nature is a proven form of treatment for depression. You will meet other dog walkers whether you want to or not, and will learn the names of their dogs and to say hello and interact.

Lastly you will get exercise. Give it a try - fighting depression is a life-long task that needs a long-term plan. Sunshine, exercise and social interaction will do more for you than you know.

knra_grl · March 2014

Any exercise is good. If doing something during a commercial break is all the motivation you have right now, then go with it. If I may, I would like to suggest mixing it up and doing things other than sit-ups, which brings us to the Nerd Fitness Body Weight workout: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

The link has lots of info and video, but here's the gist of it:

20 body weight squats
10 push ups
20 walking lunges
10 dumbbell rows (using a gallon milk jug)
15 second plank
30 Jumping Jacks

The workout is meant be done one after the other, but you could easily knock out one or two exercises per commercial break and finish the entire workout over the span of an hour long TV show.

Remember that weight loss is going to come from diet more than anything else. If you have a calorie deficit by eating less than you burn, you will lose weight, exercise or not.

Like this - I would suggest trying this :flowerforyou:

jillian_fan2425 · March 2014

If you're a TV watcher, there are a lot of good quick workouts that you can do while watching your favorite shows. Just Google "[insert show here] workout" and you should come up with some ideas. Basically, for every event that happens fairly frequently on the show, you do a different kind of exercise. You can do a lot over the course of a 30-40 minute show.

Here's one example, with The Walking Dead: http://www.bloodsweatandcheers.com/national-cheer/2118-the-walking-dead-workout-game

Hope this helps! Good luck

krennie8 · March 2014

If you haven't already done this, have your thyroid levels tested and make sure you get the results yourself as well. While you may have depression, you may also have a thyroid condition that's treatable with synthroid/levothyroxine. My symptoms were very similar to yours before I was diagnosed. And if they tell you you're "borderlined" or "subclinical" more than likely that means you are hypo they just are following old guidelines.

bjg2993 · March 2014

Perhaps try doing yoga for 15 minutes a day or more? I do this and I have issues myself especially when stressed, and it is so good for stress relief and mood boosting.

I tend to do it in the late afternoon when I'm more on edge as my sugar levels have dropped but it's too late for snacks and too early for dinner - it really improves state of mind and is surprisingly efficient at toning.

I'm a typically sedentary person and it's so low impact, a good starting point for you perhaps?

oxers · March 2014

Also, it's already been suggested, but it bears stating again! Even very light exercise is very good for helping depression, and getting outside is even better. If you can find the energy, try going for a walk whenever you can - even just once or twice a week, even just for fifteen minutes. Get some fresh air, breathe deep, listen to your body and move around a little. It'll help a lot, and your body will be more responsive to a low deficit.

will this little bit of exercise do anything

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