Need to Drop a Few Pounds? Get Up and Move!
Gail Davis
July 11, 2009
Most of us occasionally need to practice self-control when it comes to our eating habits. Whether you need to drop seven pounds or seventy pounds, the strategies are going to be the same. The solution is basic, tried, and true. No high-tech, state-of-the-art discovery has changed what we´ve always known. It is and always will be about calories in versus calories out!
The problem, of course, is that most of us carrying extra weight aren´t active enough. That´s most certainly a factor in how we ended up in this predicament in the first place! If we loved to exert ourselves and sweat then we´d probably be lean and reading a different article right now.
Can you lose weight without activity? Of course you can. Unfortunately, taking that all-important component out of the equation is going to mean that it will take longer to lose the weight and more importantly, your body won´t be as toned once you reach your goal.
Rather than fight the obvious, it would be much easier in the long run to accept the fact that movement equals weight loss! Making the commitment to add activity to your daily routine will reward you in so many ways!
Almost immediately, you will feel better about yourself. The endorphins released during activity provide a natural "high." That coupled with the knowledge that you finally took control will lighten up your whole day! You´ll know that your heart is pumping stronger and ultimately slower. You´ll lower your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. You´ll notice an improvement in your concentration, alertness, and memory. Your stress levels will drop and your sleep habits will improve!
Is it necessary to add hours of activity to achieve these benefits? Absolutely not! Even a 20-30 minute walk each day will provide a good start. Start out slowly and eventually work up to an intensity that leaves you huffing and puffing. Be creative and try activities that are out of your comfort level. Think of exercise as "play." Try tennis, racquetball, biking, swimming, jumping rope, skating, skipping, and dancing. The activity doesn´t matter, it´s the huffing and puffing that will burn the calories, increase your stamina, and keep you young at heart!
The problem, of course, is that most of us carrying extra weight aren´t active enough. That´s most certainly a factor in how we ended up in this predicament in the first place! If we loved to exert ourselves and sweat then we´d probably be lean and reading a different article right now.
Can you lose weight without activity? Of course you can. Unfortunately, taking that all-important component out of the equation is going to mean that it will take longer to lose the weight and more importantly, your body won´t be as toned once you reach your goal.
Rather than fight the obvious, it would be much easier in the long run to accept the fact that movement equals weight loss! Making the commitment to add activity to your daily routine will reward you in so many ways!
Almost immediately, you will feel better about yourself. The endorphins released during activity provide a natural "high." That coupled with the knowledge that you finally took control will lighten up your whole day! You´ll know that your heart is pumping stronger and ultimately slower. You´ll lower your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. You´ll notice an improvement in your concentration, alertness, and memory. Your stress levels will drop and your sleep habits will improve!
Is it necessary to add hours of activity to achieve these benefits? Absolutely not! Even a 20-30 minute walk each day will provide a good start. Start out slowly and eventually work up to an intensity that leaves you huffing and puffing. Be creative and try activities that are out of your comfort level. Think of exercise as "play." Try tennis, racquetball, biking, swimming, jumping rope, skating, skipping, and dancing. The activity doesn´t matter, it´s the huffing and puffing that will burn the calories, increase your stamina, and keep you young at heart!
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