Whats the point of exercise if it doesn't change your shape?

I've noticed my legs do look more toned from all the crosstrainer/exercise bike that I do at the gym. It did take absolutely ages to see it though. Was a nice surprise one day!

I think I'm at the point now where I need to consider lifting and classes, because I don't work out any of my tummy muscles at the gym and I need to strengthen my core.

I mainly exercise to earn extra calories, tbh!

Check out Strong Lifts 5x5.

Lifting is one of the best/only ways to really change your shape.

i think she means changing your shape from like a ruler to an hourglass or hourglass to a pear..

and no, lifting can't change genetics. but what it can do is help you simulate certain looks. for instance if you're a pear and you want to look more balanced like an hourglass then you can lift to add a bit more muscle to your upper back and shoulders to make it seem like you are more of an hourglass

if you stay the same weight and do lots of exercise will you look fitter and in better shape?

Depends on the exercise. With weight lifting, yes, usually. With running, maybe, maybe not.

^^^Agreed!

I asked this question on a different page of this forum and I think it was misunderstood.

My question is - if someone is a perfect weight for their height and then starts running every day and burning 750 calories approx per run but doesn't lose any weight, does the running make any positive changes to their body? I mean, I know that I have more glowing skin, feel fitter and less tired, have more energy and have even managed to give up smoking which is all great, but will my body be better aesthetically as well? I've read on here that there's no such thing as toning muscles, that you have to strip fat away to see the muscles, but if you stay the same weight and do lots of exercise will you look fitter and in better shape? Otherwise, apart from the health benefits what's the point!

Your body staying at the same weight will tend to gradually "recomp" some fat into muscle and circulatory tissue to a point, and you will "look better", and compared to not exercising yes your muscle tone in the muscles will be firmer, but maybe not as much of a visual change as you want. However, I think the health benefits are primary, your brain is stimulated more, heart and lungs get trained and become more efficient, muscles get stronger, and you may feel better, fitter and have more energy as you said above. You lower your risk of a whole host of diseases, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, fibromyalgia and depending on your age, even dementia, and some neurological disorders. Seems like a much bigger point than "toning" to me!

What I mean is that if you don't lose any weight then it doesn't matter how much toned muscle you have it won't show under the layer of fat.

False.

Weight does not equal fat.

I'm about the same weight in all of these pics. On the left I had just lost 45 lbs without exercise. On the right I've been lifting for 16ish months.

I get your question, but while not being sure of what you hope to accomplish it is hard to respond.

I can say from my personal experience with running . . . I do not personally care for what running does to my body. Other than sprinters for the most part I just do not care for the female runners shape.

Speaking to some of the runners that run in my area one common thread is that they have no lost a great deal of weight but have lost inches - more from toning up, I guess. I run some only because i see it as an additional option to my keeping active and fit for the long term.

If it is just fat that you want to lose, strength training will really help with that and if you like running I would suggest you keep doing that as well.

I'm about the same weight in all of these pics. On the left I had just lost 45 lbs without exercise. On the right I've been lifting for 16ish months.

You grew a booty! An amazing booty.

I also lost a pants size. Still haven't figured out how that works, but I'll take it. And I'm down I think about an inch around my waist.

What I mean is that if you don't lose any weight then it doesn't matter how much toned muscle you have it won't show under the layer of fat.

You'll find a change in bodyfat percentage that will allow the existing muscle to display.

That said, one type of exercise will lead to unsatisfactory outcome, one needs to train using multiple approaches for optimal outcomes.

fwiw, despite the noise from all the lifting zealots, from a programme of running , cycling and rowing I've reduced bodyfat percentage to 20%.

While maintaining the same scale weight (which is what the OP is asking about, although I'm not really sure why)?

I still don't understand the question? It all sounds rather vague & hypothetical.

Sometimes I do a bit more running so I can consume more calories.

OP, you may not see gradual changes in your overall shape, but changes can be made with any exercise program. Look at the legs on distance runners. Lots and lots of women get great bodies by running. There's no one perfect exercise out there. Yes, lifting is important (I lift heavy weights), but running is also important. Cycling and swimming are as well. I have been lifting a long time, but when I want to shed fat, I run. As do most bodybuilders and physique competitors.

If you don't like to lift it doesn't mean you're going to end up looking awful just because you run. Just make sure you're getting progressively better with speed and distance. There are two types of muscle in the human body. One is developed through activities like running. The other is developed through lifting.

There are many, many routes from point A to point B. Take the route you enjoy the most.

BUT NOTE: There are exceptions. Running will not give you a butt. You're going to have to lift weights if you want a butt.

Functional strength, eating more because muscles burns more calories to maintain, more energy, general feeling of health, strength, and confidence are a few of the benefits you can't "see".

I stopped running as it over exercises some muscle that keeps my legs aligned. Anyhow I keep up with my cardio and strength training. I can't believe the difference its made in the shape of my body to the very much better side of things. Never one to look at myself much in the mirror now I give myself a "mmm, mmm" when I see how tight and firm my legs and *kitten* are right before I pull on my tiny pants.

What's the point of anything?

Run more, get faster*

Lift more, get stronger*

Eat less, lose weight*

(*In the context of a well designed/tailored programme/diet.)

Don't try to do to many of them at the same time or you'll eff them all up.