I think you know that I work out a lot. I try to get in six to seven workouts a week of at least 45 minutes. I swim, I run, I do Turbo Kick and other group exercise classes. I have spent a lot of time on treadmills and elliptical machines at the gym, although I’m staying away from them more these days. I lift weights and even did nine weeks of the insane Insanity program with Shaun T this summer. I rotate such a large variety of activities to keep from getting bored. Of course, I did not start off with such an extreme regimen, but added and improved over time as my body became more fit.
With all this exercise, I have also learned the importance of a rest day. In the beginning I felt guilty taking a day off, like I was a failure. It’s taken awhile, but I’ve come to realize that too much of a good thing is never good and that my body needs time to rest, repair and revitalize itself.
We've all heard that exercise is an important part of a healthy life. What I’ve learned, though, is that it is not the main ingredient in weight loss. No matter how much you work out, you will be not be successful with weight loss unless you get your eating/calorie consumption under control. Now on the other hand, if you are physically unable to exercise, you can control your weight by controlling your portions and calories.
The exercise speeds the process and tones your body at the same time.
Today, I love exercise, but my food intake is something I still have to constantly work on. Which do you struggle with more, fitting in work outs or fighting with food?
*disclaimer: I am not a doctor or an exercise expert. This is just what I’ve observed based on personal experience.
I went to a workshop/seminar once to hear the guy who created budokon (a mix of yoga and martial arts) speak. He said this: No matter how much you workout, if you eat shit, you will look like and feel like shit.
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Amie is a bad influence on your blog...with her sailor mouth. :)
ReplyDeleteThough both are equally hard, it's much easier for me to watch what I eat than to get motivated to exercise. :(
Haha. Working out. On the outside I may appear fit, but I can feel my insides slowly turning to mush. It will be easier to work out more a year from now though :)
ReplyDeleteFood intake, not exercise, is the only way to lose and sustain weight loss. Read "The End of Overeating" by David Kessler to understand the psychological and addictive appeal of food. It helps in understanding and overcoming cravings.
ReplyDeleteExercise is great for mental health and stress relief, much better than pyscho meds for probably 90% of people who are given prescriptions. Our brains are also not at 100% unless we are exercising.
The challenge of effectively getting humans to eat less and to exercise is the central health issue of our times.