I’m an avid exerciser, but I’ve always worked out to benefit my BRAIN more than my body.
I can say I’ve reaped many physical benefits from exercise over the years [I’m told I look “young for my age” (gee, thanks, junior!)]; my weight is in an excellent, healthy range; my blood pressure is low; resting pulse is low; and my HDL cholesterol’s a terrific 77], but what I like best about exercising is the side benefit of those powerful, feel-good endorphins. When I exercise, I simply feel better. That’s enough to keep me on the treadmill with enthusiasm.
I have an easier time focusing on challenging mental tasks than a lot of people in my age group and I get a LOT done in a day. Every day’s a new adventure for me, and I approach each morning with enthusiasm and excitement. I credit my exercise regimen (and my great example of a husband) for this other great side benefit: happiness.
So, I thought I’d share an interesting article that dispels a common misunderstanding. Lots of people think that exercise automatically results in this equation: exercise=muscle gain=fat loss=weight loss.
The real world truth is a little more complex. Many (if not most) people actually gain weight when they start exercising because their appetite increases due to the physical demands of exercise.
Read this compelling article by John Cloud, published in Time Magazine —Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin.
Here’s a quick quote:
“…The muscle-fat relationship is often misunderstood. According to calculations published in the journal Obesity Research by a Columbia University team in 2001, a pound of muscle burns approximately six calories a day in a resting body, compared with the two calories that a pound of fat burns. Which means that after you work out hard enough to convert, say, 10 lb. of fat to muscle — a major achievement — you would be able to eat only an extra 40 calories per day, about the amount in a teaspoon of butter, before beginning to gain weight. Good luck with that. “
So, if you’re working out just to lose weight, you may be just spinning your wheels.
But if you work out to improve your cardiovascular system, improve your strength, improve your balance, solidify the brain/body connection, and to reap some feel-good endorphins for your brain, you’re on the right track!
You Go Girl (or Guy)!
