Losing weight without doing any exercise at all.

allanrjudge
allanrjudge Posts: 84 Member
edited November 8 in Health and Weight Loss
It might seem like a stupid question as seen as i'm not planning to do no exercise, but if you're in a calorie deficit without exercise, why do people exercise aswell?
Is it just for fitness and sculpting your body better?

I've been doing really well with my exercise, but since Friday I haven't done any workouts and need my mind put at rest really.
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Replies

  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    edited December 2014
    I exercise to preserve my lean muscle as much as possible as I lose weight

    To feel strong; reduce anxiety levels; keep up with my children; be fit enough to rise to challenges; to walk with a bounce in my step; sleep well and have outrageous sex

    Why else?
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    Calorie deficit = weight loss
    Exercise = health and fitness
  • allanrjudge
    allanrjudge Posts: 84 Member
    Haha Rabbit. Well there's that.

    Thank you both... I just needed to know the last few days not exercising were okay.
  • CariJean64
    CariJean64 Posts: 297 Member
    I lost the first 60 pounds without exercise. I agree, exercise is for fitness, unless you're trying for an outrageous calorie burn so you can eat more... or lose faster.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    Some people do it just to help lose weight.

    Some do it to make themselves healthier.

    I do it for both reasons. :)
  • allanrjudge
    allanrjudge Posts: 84 Member
    MFP said I should eat 1,350 (without exercise) but today I ate 89 more calories than what I should have done and done no exercise and lay in bed all day watching tv shows. Will that make a difference to my weight? I get quite obsessive.
  • paulawatkins1974
    paulawatkins1974 Posts: 720 Member
    At 1350 I'm pretty sure you'd lose weight in a coma!Why so low?
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    edited December 2014
    Preserve muscle
    Increase strength
    Increase bone density.
    Increase endurance.
    Increase body shape.
    Increase flexibility.
    Increase rate of weight loss getting me to traget faster or make it easier.
    So I can eat more.
    Decrease chances of major dieases and conditions associated with being unfit.
    Avoid being skinny fat.
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    edited December 2014
    In order to gain a pound you would have to eat 3,500 calories over maintenance. Those 89 calories do not even put you up to maintenance. Plus missing a couple of days of exercise is not something you should ever stress out about. :)
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    Since a half-pound deficit would be 250 off maintenance, all it'll do is have you lose a little less. However, 1350 is very low for a male, lower than what I eat. What are your stats?
  • njmark72
    njmark72 Posts: 99 Member
    Because you will lose more, faster as it will put you into a greater deficit. It also helps kickstart your metabolism as you will have extra energy and you begin to feel better carrying around less weight.

    Mark
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    999tigger wrote: »
    Preserve muscle
    Increase strength
    Increase bone density.
    Increase endurance.
    Increase body shape.
    Increase flexibility.
    Increase rate of weight loss or make it easier.
    So I can eat more.
    Decrease chances of major dieases and conditions associated with being unfit.

    All of that and prevention of diabetes and certain types of cancer!

  • allanrjudge
    allanrjudge Posts: 84 Member
    Thanks for the comments, you've put my mind at rest.

    I'm 5ft11... I weight 197lbs (from 230lbs, and at that weight MFP told me to consume 2700 cals) and I lead a very sedentary lifestyle, long story, but i'm on week 11 of P90x3. When I workout I burn around 500 cals (using a PolarHRM) and obviously log that. So I normally eat closer to 2,000 cals really.
  • allanrjudge
    allanrjudge Posts: 84 Member
    Sometimes burn 300 cals, sometimes. 400. But on average I burn around 500 cals.
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    Also, the best way to lose visceral fat (the fat surrounding your organs) is through exercise, not diet. So it is still important.
  • NoelFigart1
    NoelFigart1 Posts: 1,276 Member
    I exercise because swimming is my new hobby.
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    I think its a personal choice. I know for me I need to exercise though. It psychologically keeps me focused and I like eating so I can eat more and still shed weight.
  • grantwashere
    grantwashere Posts: 171 Member
    VeryKatie wrote: »
    Also, the best way to lose visceral fat (the fat surrounding your organs) is through exercise, not diet. So it is still important.

    Can you cite your sources for this statement please?
  • kaseyr1505
    kaseyr1505 Posts: 624 Member
    I exercise because strength is sexy, and I think it helps me stay motivated. I run, hike and lift. If I gain the weight back, I won't be able to reach my goal of running a marathon. If I gain the weight, then I won't be able to show off my muscles. At first, I did it because I felt like I had do, now I do it because I love the feeling of accomplishment.
  • njitaliana
    njitaliana Posts: 813 Member
    edited December 2014
    I don't want to lose lean muscle mass as I lose weight--exercise prevents loss of lean muscle mass. I don't want to get osteoporosis--exercise increases bone density. I want to be stronger, not just thinner--exercise builds strength and endurance. And it doesn't hurt that I can eat a bit more when I exercise. :)

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  • kristimason3
    kristimason3 Posts: 131 Member
    So I can take over the world after the inevitable zombie apocalypse..duh. That and snickers. I really like snickers.
  • Abby2205
    Abby2205 Posts: 253 Member
    njitaliana wrote: »
    I don't want to lose lean muscle mass as I lose weight--exercise prevents loss of lean muscle mass. I don't want to get osteoporosis--exercise increases bone density. I want to be stronger, not just thinner--exercise builds strength and endurance. And it doesn't hurt that I can eat a bit more when I exercise. :)

    All of these, and I want my legs to look good. Also I am on a small 250 daily deficit and I start thinking about all of the little inaccuracies that could creep in and totally wipe that out: I don't weigh my fruit. I measured out 5 ounces of wine once, but after that I eyeball it. What if I don't drain my tuna in oil as much as the nutrition facts assume? What if my calorie burn rate by being alive is on the low side of average?
    I'd rather go for a brisk walk for an hour with lots of hills to give me a calorie cushion, than put more effort into being super precise and accurate. Maybe I'll eat some back, maybe I won't.
  • caracrawford1
    caracrawford1 Posts: 657 Member
    allanrjudge wrote: »
    It might seem like a stupid question as seen as i'm not planning to do no exercise, but if you're in a calorie deficit without exercise, why do people exercise aswell?
    Is it just for fitness and sculpting your body better?

    I've been doing really well with my exercise, but since Friday I haven't done any workouts and need my mind put at rest really.

    I happen to like seeing how much my body can do. I have my 8th full marathon next year. I also like to be healthy, feel sexy (ya, i dont feel sexy without exercise, nor am i attracted to guys who dont get off their butts and do any) I like the feeling of endorphins from exercise, feeling strong, being able to run faster, walk longer, etc and I do NOT want to be flabby (aka skinny-fat). Sure you can lose weight without exercise... But why would you WANT to?
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    Cuz I want endurance and strength and want my body to look better
  • SnuggleSmacks
    SnuggleSmacks Posts: 3,731 Member
    allanrjudge wrote: »
    It might seem like a stupid question as seen as i'm not planning to do no exercise, but if you're in a calorie deficit without exercise, why do people exercise aswell?
    Is it just for fitness and sculpting your body better?

    I've been doing really well with my exercise, but since Friday I haven't done any workouts and need my mind put at rest really.

    It is for preserving lean body mass. When you eat at a deficit, fat is not the only thing you lose. By working out with intensity, you are forcing your body to hang on to as much muscle as it can.
  • jennidee12
    jennidee12 Posts: 11
    I Exercise Because
    1) Growing up I loved sports, exercising was fun and now it's a way of life
    2) Because I love to swim
    3) I love to eat and don't like dieting (lets be honest...dieting isn't fun)
    4) I have an anxiety disorder. Exercise helps me control my emotions by stabilizing the endorphins in my brain
    5) Physical therapy for a current injury
    6) To be able to outrun someone who is chasing me (zombies in a zombie apocalypse) and to be able to swim if i fall over board.
    7) To be able to lift things on my own without the help of a man
    8) To make new friends and keep my existing friends
    9) Over the years, I have grown to love it and have built it into my lifestyle.
    10) Friend me :). I love people who love fitness and love to motivate people who are new to the trend or who are just trying to reach a personal goal!
  • Anonycatgirl
    Anonycatgirl Posts: 502 Member


    I'm 5ft11... I weight 197lbs (from 230lbs, and at that weight MFP told me to consume 2700 cals) and I lead a very sedentary lifestyle, long story, but i'm on week 11 of P90x3. When I workout I burn around 500 cals (using a PolarHRM) and obviously log that. So I normally eat closer to 2,000 cals really.[/quote]

    I think there's a mistake in your calculations. I'm 5ft5, female, over 50 and I never saw a calorie recommendation that low. Maybe if I'd been going for 2 lbs a week... but even so, you're much younger than I am, much taller, and male, so even if you're sitting on your butt whenever you're not doing P90x3, that seems really low. Usually the recommendation for males is not to go below 1800 calories (I think... might be 1600 but you're still low) without medical supervision.

  • RonnieLodge
    RonnieLodge Posts: 665 Member
    allanrjudge wrote: »
    Why do people exercise aswell?
    Is it just for fitness and sculpting your body better?

    I exercise mainly for the mental benefits (I find it helps with sleep/focus/energy levels/anger management) and also because I want to be mobile well into old age.


    http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/mental-health-a-z/E/exercise-mental-health/

  • WickedPineapple
    WickedPineapple Posts: 698 Member
    I exercise regularly for my heart, as heart disease runs in my family on both sides. Side bonus is it helps me manage my weight (obviously), stress, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. (All are still present, just not as bad). Another side bonus - It's nice to be able to go on long hikes with Mr. Pineapple.

    PS - I'm a 5'1" female, 132 pounds. I lose on 1,540 calories per day without exercise. You should probably be eating more. There are quite a few horror stories on here about people not starving themselves, but eating too little and their hair starting falling out. It also happened to my sister (from unintentionally under-eating). It's taken her over 5 years to stimulate regrowth.
  • allanrjudge
    allanrjudge Posts: 84 Member
    Thank you for all the input. All great reasons... I hate the skinny fat look too, where the fat seems to hang from a small malnourished body. Ew.

    Do you really think 1,350 cals is too low? That's what MFP told me to consume when I said I want to lose 2lbs a week. Maybe I should change it back to 1.5 lbs a week then.
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