Can you loose weight without much exercise

mojox2003
mojox2003 Posts: 276 Member
edited November 8 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all need some help and advice, im a single mum to 3 children, and on the start of my weight loss life, I was just wondering if you can loose weight without much exercise,

I ask this as I cant get to the gym one no money and two no one to mind my daughter during the day, I try and walk as much as I can but I also work in a library 3 days a week.

So what do you do if you have such a busy life.

Replies

  • Nitachi
    Nitachi Posts: 142
    Yes you can but, I would highly recommend losing weight slowly as to preserve as much muscle mass as possible
  • pienomiko
    pienomiko Posts: 1
    You can, but it will work differently.

    In addition to burning calories, exercise boosts your metabolism.

    If nothing else try standing as much as possible, and eating/drinking healthy things that boost your metabolism.

    Maybe try to get the kids involved and horse around with them? In the summer swimming is MARVELOUS! Just being the water burns a decent number of calories. Anything where you're moving is burning calories. So engage in tickle fights and tag. =)
  • Kymmu
    Kymmu Posts: 1,650 Member
    Most definitely, cut cals, & eat low carb.
    Exercise just makes everything better.
  • monkeypantz
    monkeypantz Posts: 288 Member
    you don't need to go to a Gym to exercise!

    How about some workout dvds when the kids have gone to bed?

    Or taking the kids for walks in the parks after school?

    I workout on the Xbox every day and doing sit ups / lunges/ squats etc too...takes about an hour and all down in the comfort of my living room.

    I think you can lose weight without exercise, but maintaining it will be a problem & it will slow down your metabolism too!
  • tasnim81
    tasnim81 Posts: 91 Member
    You can, but it's not the best way to do it, in my opinion.
    I'm a mom of 2, don't have money or time to go to a gym, so I use the free 10 minute program over at www.exercise.com. You work out 5 days a week, and as said, it's only 10 minutes.
    Also there are lots of great videos at www.exercisetv.tv that you can watch for free.
  • lambertj
    lambertj Posts: 675 Member
    If you have stairs at home, try running up and down them for 15 minutes a day, your 2 year old will think mommy is being silly :)
  • RoughDiamondUK
    RoughDiamondUK Posts: 151 Member
    I'm new to MFP, as I needed a little extra kick up the backside to break through a plateau, but it took me 13 months to lose 75 pounds, without exercise. It can be done! I've lost by just watching calories, portion control, cutting back on crisps/chips/chocolate/cake/pizza etc and only drinking water and Pepsi Max. The most exercise I do is 30 minutes of walking a day.

    I'm now healthy according to my BMI (24.5), but am trying to get a bit closer to 20.
  • newlaura30
    newlaura30 Posts: 82
    my seven yr old loves when i say lets go on the wii but if you don't have one she loves doing exercise dvds with me..o.k you don't get quite the intensity you want as i am usually watching my f;iling arms or laughing at her but she loves it and i'm moving so gotta be burning something good luck x
  • mstormth
    mstormth Posts: 119 Member
    Hi,
    I have children at home to, and very chaotic life... between kids, husband and my career it does not leave much time for "me".
    I also agree that the gym is expensive and not always suitable for moms with busy lives.

    What I do, is videos at home. I wake up an hour before I need to (5:30 or 6am) depending on what time I have to get up to get the kids ready and myself for work/school.
    That hour is about me... I love Jillian Michaels, but there are so many different selections. I feel so much better during the day because of this morning routine.

    At the end of the day, when my husband is home, I take the puppy for a walk - usually about 30 minutes, just to unwind for the day. Sometimes I take the kids with me as well, they need the fresh air as much as I do.

    Try it at home for a little while... see how you feel... it does make a different with your endurance and your weight loss to have movement in your day.
  • sandown12
    sandown12 Posts: 648 Member
    In 2010 I lost 11lbs in the first 4 weeks no change to exercise then in the next 36 weeks I lost 46lbs with lots of exercise you tone up and look better also its good for us x
  • Elf_Princess1210
    Elf_Princess1210 Posts: 895 Member
    Wii fit is good
  • AloyMomNwife
    AloyMomNwife Posts: 146 Member
    Do jumping jacks and run in place with your kids. Mine love to jump with me. Check out online some exercises you can do at home with no fancy equipment... just your body! Good luck! And remember, 80% diet 20% exercise... you are what you eat!! You can totally do this without hitting the gym!
  • MaximalLife
    MaximalLife Posts: 2,447 Member
    Sure you can, but what will be the quality of the weight loss?
    And BTW...we'll all busy.
    Nobody ever came to me and said they had extra time on their hands, so they'd
    like to get fit.

    Nobody has time.
    But everybody has time.

    Here's the disconnect. People either make the time or they do not.
    Your fitness goals are either a priority or they are not.
    And if they are not, then failure is asured.

    That's reality.
    Make the time.
    And try some stuff at home.
    Check this out:
    http://www.fitnessblender.com/

    Have fun and good luck!
  • sandown12
    sandown12 Posts: 648 Member
    Years I spent losing weight and the only exercise youll do for along time is something you love and cab fit into your life walking is good free and burns calories
  • Leamac83
    Leamac83 Posts: 99 Member
    The answer lies in the 30 Day Shred. Only 20 mins as day, from the comfort of your own home. You will see results and best of all its free! (apart from the initial buying of the DVD)

    Good Luck! :)
  • samand25
    samand25 Posts: 30 Member
    I think so - Ive lost the majority of my weight through watching what I eat, quitting drinking and generally having a boring social-life!
  • hope516
    hope516 Posts: 1,133 Member
    Sure you can, but what will be the quality of the weight loss?
    And BTW...we'll all busy.
    Nobody ever came to me and said they had extra time on their hands, so they'd
    like to get fit.

    Nobody has time.
    But everybody has time.

    Here's the disconnect. People either make the time or they do not.
    Your fitness goals are either a priority or they are not.
    And if they are not, then failure is asured.

    That's reality.
    Make the time.
    And try some stuff at home.
    Check this out:
    http://www.fitnessblender.com/

    Have fun and good luck!

    I second and third the above! I think the time excuse is so easy to go to. Although I personally do not have children, but can only imagine how much time they do take away from you, I know tons of people with kids have done this. We make time for things that are important to us. Instead of watching that favorite show every night, go for a walk (in fact take the kids, they need to learn at an early age that exercise is important.)

    To answer your question I think exercise is important but I know for a fact you can lose weight without exercising...but who wants to put in all the hard work and be a flabby skinny person???

    Good luck :flowerforyou:
  • cuelgirl
    cuelgirl Posts: 47 Member
    i think its doable to lose weight without exercise... but it really helps when you do exercise...

    i'm also really busy... have kids, full time job... etc etc... but I started to wake up an hour earlier than I have to.. at 5 am... and from 5-6:30 is my time... I have coffee... go online... and exercise... I have an exercise bike and I sit and go... while I read a book ( the only time I have to read as well).... I do crunches as well... I feel so much better with this time to myself... it truly prepares me for the craziness of the day...

    good luck to you!
  • mojox2003
    mojox2003 Posts: 276 Member
    Thanks everyone, I can do things at home that wont be a problem but will have to do it when the kids have gone to bed as my 2 year old is very very clingy and wont let me go to the loo hahaha.

    I have a wii and an xbox are there any good games on that people can recomend
  • hope516
    hope516 Posts: 1,133 Member
    dance central 1 and 2!!! by far the best xbox games (kinect)...I burn tons of calories but I dont feel like I am working out! I have the best time and it is a whole body workout!!!!
  • mojox2003
    mojox2003 Posts: 276 Member
    Well guys iv taken your advice and when my daughter went for her nap I went on the wii for 30 mins, I am also going to do a 2 mile walk this afternoon once iv picked my son up from school.

    even though I cant do anything major like the gym I will try and and get lil bits in where I can.
  • TJMcQN
    TJMcQN Posts: 19 Member
    Most people who don't like to exercise are working at it too hard. You should learn how to check your heart rate (pulse) and measure your intensity according to your target rate. It'll take a few minutes for it to reach so take it slow and check pulse often. Some people find that walking at a slow pace may be too intense at first, but as the fitness levels increase so do the demands required but these are demands that you will gladly honor. Of course it needs to be said that you should consult your doctor first but I'm assuming no contraindicating health issues.
  • Pancake86
    Pancake86 Posts: 94
    Yes you can, i lost my weight through just power walking, or long walks, never stepped foot in a gym!
  • hope516
    hope516 Posts: 1,133 Member
    Well guys iv taken your advice and when my daughter went for her nap I went on the wii for 30 mins, I am also going to do a 2 mile walk this afternoon once iv picked my son up from school.

    even though I cant do anything major like the gym I will try and and get lil bits in where I can.

    Great job!!! I think you will notice the difference! It is also a stress reliever! And with two yungins running around, you need all the stress relief you can get :laugh:
  • mojox2003
    mojox2003 Posts: 276 Member
    Well guys iv taken your advice and when my daughter went for her nap I went on the wii for 30 mins, I am also going to do a 2 mile walk this afternoon once iv picked my son up from school.

    even though I cant do anything major like the gym I will try and and get lil bits in where I can.

    Great job!!! I think you will notice the difference! It is also a stress reliever! And with two yungins running around, you need all the stress relief you can get :laugh:

    I infact have 3 hahaha and my 12 year old is going through puberty at the mo so thats even more stress haha
  • newlaura30
    newlaura30 Posts: 82
    Thanks everyone, I can do things at home that wont be a problem but will have to do it when the kids have gone to bed as my 2 year old is very very clingy and wont let me go to the loo hahaha.

    I have a wii and an xbox are there any good games on that people can recomend
    i did the boxing last night for half hour and it burnd over 200 cals i was knackered and my daughter was rolling around laughing at me but it was fun and worked.. i also like the dance ones we have them all but still think number one the best.
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