Who Out There Loses Weight Without the Exercise
AimersBee
Posts: 775 Member
Hi!
So, I'm 5'4, 162 lbs, and this is my first post and first day on MFP. I randomly found this program on my iPhone as an app while at my work. I work infront of a computer at a desk job on long hours (50-76 hrs a week). I'm wondering who out there does what MFP says regarding the calorie intake and loses weight no problem, or do you find yourself having a hard time with just the calorie intake and you feel the need to exercise. I personally don't have a lot of time to exercise, when I do I just go for a simple run/walk for approx 30 min.
Anyways my question overall is who out there just does the calorie intake?.. if so, how has your experience gone so far?
Thanks in advance for all the input
So, I'm 5'4, 162 lbs, and this is my first post and first day on MFP. I randomly found this program on my iPhone as an app while at my work. I work infront of a computer at a desk job on long hours (50-76 hrs a week). I'm wondering who out there does what MFP says regarding the calorie intake and loses weight no problem, or do you find yourself having a hard time with just the calorie intake and you feel the need to exercise. I personally don't have a lot of time to exercise, when I do I just go for a simple run/walk for approx 30 min.
Anyways my question overall is who out there just does the calorie intake?.. if so, how has your experience gone so far?
Thanks in advance for all the input
0
Replies
-
You can lose weight without working out.
The question is, whats more important?
Losing overall weight?
Or
Losing fat while maintaining lean mass?0 -
You can lose weight without working out.
The question is, whats more important?
Losing overall weight?
Or
Losing fat while maintaining lean mass?
So would you say that 30 min of walking/running 3 times a week would be sufficient enough to keep some of the lean mass while losing fat?0 -
Anyways my question overall is who out there just does the calorie intake?.. if so, how has your experience gone so far?
Me. I do walk sometimes half an hour or an hour at 3 miles per hour, but you're more likely to find me flying than in a gym.
I was losing weight long before using the MFP tools, I had to customise the goals to suit what I was doing. Me and published science don't believe you have to exercise to lose fat mass and with enough protein in your diet you retain plenty of muscle.0 -
I did for the first 5 months. Just cutting calories was enough for a considerable loss. I picked up exercise now in the last month just because i want more than just losing weight, I want to be healthy too.
In that 5 months I did absolutely no exercise. Just the basics of life and work. I was seriously lazy and still able to lose on a calorie deficit (and a few other "rules").
To keep muscle you really need to strength train. This doesn't mean a gym. You can buy your own stuff for your house or just use what is out there. Stairs are good for building muscle (up and down each do a different group). Park further from the grocery store and carry out your bags. Lots of stuff you can do if you just want to add to your daily activity.0 -
I have a good friend (offline) who calorie counts using excel. She's lost a significant quantity (60 lbs if I recall) by setting her calories to 1700-ish and occasionally going horseback riding.
Has she lost muscle? Probably. But she's also lost several sizes (iirc, size 24-size 16) and looks a lot better.0 -
I currently do not do a great amount of exercise due to my weight and back/hip issues (which are getting better as I lose weight). Having said that I do have to walk 500 metres each way from the carpark to my office and do a bit of walking around work which is a manufacturing site. I wore a pedometer to begin with and it seems on overage that I burn 200 calories per day from walking around work each day. If I have time I will try and fit in another 15 minute walk at lunchtime. I also try and do a bigger exercise day on the weekend which normally involves walking and steps and on average is another 1000 calorie burn.
But, I do not do any exercise other than walking. I don't go to the gym, I don't lift weights (I have bought a resistance band but not used it yet), I don't do yoga or pilates etc
Since the start of January when I started with MFP I have lost approximately 20kg, with another 10kg in the previous year without doing anything in particular.
I know that as my weight goes down more, and I feel more comfortable with doing "exercise", that I will need to change my exercise regime.0 -
You can lose weight without working out.
The question is, whats more important?
Losing overall weight?
Or
Losing fat while maintaining lean mass?
So would you say that 30 min of walking/running 3 times a week would be sufficient enough to keep some of the lean mass while losing fat?
you need to lift heavy weights to keep your lean mass.0 -
I recently reached 125 days of logging and have lost 25 pounds. When I filled out my profile for MFP I used a very rough average of daily movement. I'm a substitute teacher and when I work I move more, but I don't work every day and when I don't work I don't move so much. I haven't really added any excercise to my life so far. As the weather gets warmer I'll go walking on the weekends but I can't afford a gym membership or classes. I have some free weights around the house that I try to do some things with, but I don't really know what I'm doing!
I guess to answer you question, I have lost most of my weight so far by not intentionaly excercising, but I also see the loss slowing down.0 -
My friend has lost 45lbs with low cals and no exercise, so it is possible but she has ended up 'skinnyfat' and is extremely unfit.
I've lost 42 lbs with higher cals, lots of exercise and am getting smaller rather than flabbier. I can run 5k @ 202lbs, my friend who is only around 125lbs cant run for 5 mins.
Exercise has many health benefits other than weight loss so do as much as you can, the number on the scale might mean you are thin but that doesn't always mean fit and healthy.0 -
No offense, but saying you don't have time to work out is just a cop out. A 15-20 min workout is sufficient. If the first lady can find the time, none of the rest of us have an excuse.
You will look better if you retain your lean mass with resistance training and you will be an overall healthier person aside from the aesthetics! Give it a try! Doesn't need to be heavy weights, can just be bodyweight exercises or the like.0 -
Double post0
-
Hi!
So, I'm 5'4, 162 lbs, and this is my first post and first day on MFP. I randomly found this program on my iPhone as an app while at my work. I work infront of a computer at a desk job on long hours (50-76 hrs a week). I'm wondering who out there does what MFP says regarding the calorie intake and loses weight no problem, or do you find yourself having a hard time with just the calorie intake and you feel the need to exercise. I personally don't have a lot of time to exercise, when I do I just go for a simple run/walk for approx 30 min.
Anyways my question overall is who out there just does the calorie intake?.. if so, how has your experience gone so far?
Thanks in advance for all the input
I also have a busy (and at times, stressful) job...and felt when I started (last October) that if I could get in 30 minutes of exercise 3x weekly - I would be doing well (walking, and light weights at home). Some weeks I'm more successful than others - and sometimes get a great workout including yardwork, and some weeks like this current one - practically no exercise.
I'm in the 5'5" range and was able to drop about 20 pounds in 3 months by watching calories. In the months since - have dropped several more - and do intend to increase the weights to firm up a bit more. I went from just over 25% bf to just over 22%, and went from a size 8 (with a few 10's thrown in) to a size 4 (yesterday fit into a size 2 skirt - unbelievable!)
I look as good as I feel - and while I'll never be a poster pin-up girl, I don't feel the need to be (I'm closer to 50 than not!)
Go with what works for you - makes you feel good, and fits your lifestyle.
0 -
Walk,walk walk! Get your heartbeat elevated and enjoy the beautiful weather.0
-
I have. I had a lot of injuries and joint problems in the last year but by logging my food and watching my calories I have lost weight. The joint problems are better and I can excercise a bit now and hopefully that will maintain my muscle mass. But it can be done.
Good luck 0 -
There are plenty of people out there that would be considered "skinny fat". They eat and maintain their weight, but do not exercise and you can tell. Just because they are skinny doesn't mean they look good.
You can also consume less calories, but also make a workout routine where you are putting in 10 minutes at a time. Run for min, walk 30 sec - to keep the blood pumping. Push ups are great - Personally nothing is sexier than a toned body - no matter what size you are - good luck!!! Make a routine for yourself where you can get 10 min here and there and eventually you will be up to 1/2 hour.
I personally do home based workouts - no more spending time at the gym - message me or friend me!0 -
No offense, but saying you don't have time to work out is just a cop out. A 15-20 min workout is sufficient. If the first lady can find the time, none of the rest of us have an excuse.
You will look better if you retain your lean mass with resistance training and you will be an overall healthier person aside from the aesthetics! Give it a try! Doesn't need to be heavy weights, can just be bodyweight exercises or the like.
Saying no offense, usually doesn't work. Just an FYI.
As for it being a cop out, I guess that could only be determined once you know me and my schedule. I work shift work, sometimes working 13 hrs a day with 2.5 hrs of travel. Once home, I'm not sure working out is the best for me, rather than getting rest due to 11 more days to go. Then I get my 2 days off.
Anyways, as for resistance training, I have given it a try, I used to hit the gym every 2nd day when I was on a normal 40 hr week a year back.
I was just curious to know, for a start anyways, if just the calorie counting would work just as well. Then once the pounds start to drop then start doing some resistance training.
I appreciate all the input from all of you, it's inspiring, thank-you!0 -
Aimers, if you DO want to try and squish in some exercise, you could try doing about 5 minutes of bodyweight-only on a break or while waiting for something. I get weird looks, but I do squats in between two classes at university and pushups between the next two.
If you don't, I think you'll lose the weight anyway, this was just an 'if'.0 -
I did. I lost 65lbs without probably 1 day of exercise. In fact, before this chunk of weight, I had lost about 40 (then got pregnant again and gained it all back) and I cardio'd myself to death and was frustrated that it did pretty much nothing for me. I am not saying you should, but I AM saying you can lose without exercise. Edit: It did nothing for me because I was probably doing it all wrong. Too much cardio, not enough food.0
-
No offense, but saying you don't have time to work out is just a cop out. A 15-20 min workout is sufficient. If the first lady can find the time, none of the rest of us have an excuse.
You will look better if you retain your lean mass with resistance training and you will be an overall healthier person aside from the aesthetics! Give it a try! Doesn't need to be heavy weights, can just be bodyweight exercises or the like.
Saying no offense, usually doesn't work. Just an FYI.
As for it being a cop out, I guess that could only be determined once you know me and my schedule. I work shift work, sometimes working 13 hrs a day with 2.5 hrs of travel. Once home, I'm not sure working out is the best for me, rather than getting rest due to 11 more days to go. Then I get my 2 days off.
Anyways, as for resistance training, I have given it a try, I used to hit the gym every 2nd day when I was on a normal 40 hr week a year back.
I was just curious to know, for a start anyways, if just the calorie counting would work just as well. Then once the pounds start to drop then start doing some resistance training.
I appreciate all the input from all of you, it's inspiring, thank-you!
Yeah, it never works but I try!
As I said, if the first lady can fit it in, I think there are very few people who cannot fit it in. If you wake up 30 min early you can fit it in twice a week before your shower. Twice a week! Just try it, I found that I ended up getting more energy from working out!0 -
My first few months were diet alone. Results according to the scale were great, but I prefer how I feel while working out, even if the weight loss seems to slow down some.
Edit: If nothing else, get a resistance band and do some body weight exercises when you can find a few minutes. It won't be nearly the same as getting into a gym, but you can at least work the muscles a bit. It should make some difference in how much lean mass you keep while losing fat.0 -
When I initially lost all the weight years ago, it was just from diet. I never stepped foot in a gym. Of course, now I can't let myself miss a day.0
-
I was able to lose weight without exercise years ago because my diet was so bad. But cutting out soda and fried food and eating smaller portions, I lost about 20lbs. But I got stuck about 10-20lbs above my ideal weight and sat there for a looooong time. My eating was still good I just needed to add exercise into the mix.
Now I find I need to work out. My project intake for a pound a week is about 1300, which is just too low. I like working out because it means I get to eat a little more and I'm not as hungry.0 -
I lost weight with just diet alone, but when I started exercising I started to lose more inches. I actually weigh more than I have in the past by just dieting but I am much smaller than I've been in years. I've resolved that in order to me to reach my weight goals I have to work out.
I also thought that I didn't have time to workout but you'd be surprised how much time you have to workout when you make it a priority. I've found that working out in the evenings works best for me.0 -
No offense, but saying you don't have time to work out is just a cop out. A 15-20 min workout is sufficient. If the first lady can find the time, none of the rest of us have an excuse.
You will look better if you retain your lean mass with resistance training and you will be an overall healthier person aside from the aesthetics! Give it a try! Doesn't need to be heavy weights, can just be bodyweight exercises or the like.
Saying no offense, usually doesn't work. Just an FYI.
As for it being a cop out, I guess that could only be determined once you know me and my schedule. I work shift work, sometimes working 13 hrs a day with 2.5 hrs of travel. Once home, I'm not sure working out is the best for me, rather than getting rest due to 11 more days to go. Then I get my 2 days off.
Anyways, as for resistance training, I have given it a try, I used to hit the gym every 2nd day when I was on a normal 40 hr week a year back.
I was just curious to know, for a start anyways, if just the calorie counting would work just as well. Then once the pounds start to drop then start doing some resistance training.
I appreciate all the input from all of you, it's inspiring, thank-you!
Yeah, it never works but I try!
As I said, if the first lady can fit it in, I think there are very few people who cannot fit it in. If you wake up 30 min early you can fit it in twice a week before your shower. Twice a week! Just try it, I found that I ended up getting more energy from working out!
Well, for the record - I don't care if this causes offense (I'm not PC)...FactCheck.org reports that in 2009, our first lady's spokesperson reported that she had 24 people on HER staff. If I had that many people that I could delegate to, I promise you I would fit in time for exercise each day, as well.
However, as a school teacher - I have no assistants, aides, or anything other than the occasional high school student to run copies or file for me. *sigh* Please quit already with all that the first lady can miraculously do...I could accomplish oodles with just another one of me! :laugh:
Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter0 -
A couple of years ago I lost around 40 lbs without exercise. Gained it all back very easily though. This time around I have very little time to exercise or cook between work and school, but I am still determined to do it right this time. So far I feel so much better even with only 9 lbs down! Seems losing 40 lbs without exercise didn't make me feel nearly as healthy and energetic as 9 lbs with exercise. Finding the time is worth it!0
-
I started with calorie cutting but then I did add in exercise..maybe you could do a video at home..30 day shred, exercise channel..etc?0
-
I have been on MFP and being serious about getting healthy for a few months now. I lost about 20 lbs just counting calories and eating a pretty much clean diet. I know myself and if I had started the diet and excercise I would have given up. I am starting to excersize now cuz my weight has seemed to stall. Good Luck to you0
-
You can lose weight without working out.
The question is, whats more important?
Losing overall weight?
Or
Losing fat while maintaining lean mass?
So would you say that 30 min of walking/running 3 times a week would be sufficient enough to keep some of the lean mass while losing fat?
Imagine losing all the weight along with considerable losses in lean mass.
you get to your goal but you have little strength as well as little muscle tone.
You would probably be Skinny-fat (you look good in clothing but bad naked).
You would then have to spend considerable time eating above maintenance with the chance of gaining fat back while rebuilding lean mass.
FUN!
My best recommendation is to get up 1hour early in the AM.
Lift weights or do bodyweight workouts 3 times a week.
Walk for mild cardio but anything steady could lead to more LBM loss.
Savvy?0 -
I did a few years ago. I'm 5'5 and at the time weighed about 165. I worked 2 jobs and have 3 kids and a husband, both jobs were desk jobs and the only time I had outside of work was to talk to my kids about their day while I ate dinner and then went to bed other than the weekend, I only worked 1 job but had to spend most of that off time shopping, cleaning and such. So sleep? Or exercise? Since I wasn't even getting 8 hours as it was, I chose sleep. I decided to see if I could lose weight just dieting, lost about 45 lbs in 3 months. Than a few months later when my life slowed down a little and I went back down to 1 job (well, 2 if you count family lol), I was able to fit in small walks with my kids, lost about 3 more lbs. I did gain a small portion of it back over a couple of years which is why I use MFP now. I have more time on my hands so this time I am doing weight training and cardio, I'm actually losing WAY slower, but feel A LOT better. I was happy with my weight loss by just cutting calories, but not the skinny fat look. I would suggest that if you don't have time, just try to cut back on calories and see where it takes you (be healthy about it of course), and if you find you have the energy and time for exercise, go for it, you'll feel a lot better. Hope everything works out for you 0
-
OP yes you can lose weight with little to no exercise. It's ideal to exercise when losing weight as it gets you into a fitter state, but we don't live in an ideal world and all these people who are telling you to find the time clearly aren't reading what you wrote.
Don't know what your break schedules are like at work, but if you can try the body weight exercises three/four times a day (5-10 minutes each) It will help you gain health, which is the main reason for exercise anyways.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions