Exercise is NOT Just for Losing Weight
Today I wanted to talk about one of the most common misconceptions I see with new, and even some of the most seasoned of gym-goers regarding why they are even at the gym in the first place. The reason most people say they go to the gym is simple; to burn calories with the goal of losing weight. The paradigm of “burning off” calories in the gym to get leaner is ubiquitous in the fitness industry and in our society at large. But what if I told you it’s a very flawed, even dangerous way of thinking about your health?
We see it every day, people spinning their wheels on cardio machines looking to burn off the fat they have accumulated over the last weekend or even the last decade. I see many folks staring at the calorie burn on the elliptical or stairmaster, thinking that if they hit a certain number this will be the magic bullet to reach their weight loss goals. The thought process is that if you move vigorously and break a little sweat your body will start to burn away the fat, and you will leave the gym with less fat on your body than when you arrived. Just keep doing this and soon enough you’ll have your dream body! Unfortunately this is not how weight loss works, as it is a much more complex process than this.
So what is the purpose of exercise if it’s not to lose weight? To be clear, weight loss can occur without exercise. All that is truly needed for someone to lose weight is to be in a caloric deficit, which can be accomplished by eating less calories. However, exercise is essential for losing weight in a healthy way, but there’s also countless other benefits that have nothing to do with weight loss. I like to focus on these with my clients, because even if you are not losing weight right away when you start a workout program, you are still doing a lot of good for your body. What follows are a few of the many benefits of exercise, and none of them are weight loss.
1) Better mood: Exercise helps improve your mood better than any prescription drug you can take, and with none of the downsides. It causes your brain to release hormones that leave you feeling happier, less anxious, and more relaxed. Exercise can be a key factor in regulating both depression and anxiety, boasting both acute improvements immediately after the session as well as chronic benefits over time.
2) More energy: With improved mood comes increased mental and physical energy. People who exercise regularly have more energy to do what they love day in and day out and will live fuller, happier, longer lives.
3) Physical health: It seems obvious to say, but people who exercise will live longer and will be free of disease for a greater number of years. Non-exercisers will suffer from a myriad of diseases and health complications from a relatively young age. On the contrary, regular exercisers can live well into their 90’s with far less physical suffering and no reliance on pharmaceutical drugs. Exercisers will have much better cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health resulting in less joint pain, joint replacements, strokes, and heart attacks, and a lower overall mortality risk (risk of death).
4) Strength: Exercisers are stronger and will be able to perform daily tasks easier. They won’t fall behind in group activities that they love and will be able to keep up with their kids better as they age. Additionally, as they age they will have a lower risk of falling, and frankly, dying.
5) Hormonal balance: Exercise helps to balance your hormonal systems. Hormones control the function of many things in your body including hunger, energy, motivation, and sex drive. If you are having trouble with any of these areas in your life, exercise alone may help.
6) Better Sleep: Sleep is the cornerstone of any healthy lifestyle. If you are not sleeping well, it’s hard to do anything well. Many people have trouble sleeping for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that they are simply not tired enough at night. Regular exercise, even if it’s low in intensity will help you burn through some pent-up energy and anxiety that will help you fall asleep much quicker at night. Additionally, the benefit of hormonal regulation resulting from exercise will help your stress levels rise and fall at proper times, meaning that you will feel less stress in the evenings and fall asleep with ease.
7) Confidence: Regular exercise builds a sense of confidence like no other activity. Knowing you can lift more, run more, or go further in any activity will give you a sense of accomplishment and pride in your daily life that many are lacking.
Almost everyone I meet comes to the gym seeking weight loss, however, it’s the last thing I want most of you to focus on initially. If you are not seeing weight loss but you are working hard, getting stronger, and moving towards positive dietary change, then do not get discouraged! If you maintain healthy habits long enough, your weight will start to reflect your lifestyle.