Lose Weight Sitting On The Couch

Writing my previous post got me to thinking about how people, in general, view exercise and weight loss/management. I've had more than one client come to me in recent times wanting to lose weight, but making the statement "I hate to workout!". So the obvious question is "Can you lose weight without exercise?".

In theory, the answer to that question is "yes". If an individual were to simply take in fewer calories than he/she burns just going through normal daily life, then he/she should lose weight. For example, Joe Anybody goes to work everyday, sits at a desk all day, comes home, watches the news and SportsCenter, and goes to bed. As you can see, his day would not come anywhere close to being called active. Assuming he knows how many calories he's burning, he should be able to eat less than that and lose weight. In theory.

However, this never happens in real life. I've worked with hundreds of clients and the ones who are actually reaching their goals are the ones who are exercising in some shape, form, or fashion. Why doesn't just eating less work? If you eat less than you burn, then shouldn't you lose weight? Simply put--No.

You see, exercise provides the stimulus the body needs to make changes. In fact, regular physical activity helps the body maintain and regulate just about every system it has. And I don't mean walking for 30 minutes 3 times a week either. I mean good, physical exertion 5-6 days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes and preferrably 45-60 minutes. When the body goes through physical exertion on a regular basis it sees a need to adapt and make changes that are going to allow it to continue. Excess fat gets burned, bone density increases, muscle increases, and the cardiovascular system improves. Physical activity forces the body to change.

When it comes down to it, there just are no magic pills for weight loss. It takes hard work and commitment. You have to persistent and consistent. If you want to change your body, then quit watching SportCenter, go outside and DO SOMETHING!