Why Exercise?

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We are all told that exercise is crucial to a weight loss program. That you need to exercise more to lose weight and get in shape. But we all know those who are exercise freaks and are always running or hitting the gym but are still overweight and not very buff. In fact many of these people struggle to just maintain their current weight. So why is this?

Well the answer is this. Exercise is meant to increase functional activities and abilities. It is not the means to weight loss. You see we exercise to be able to lift heavier things, run faster or farther, to improve our heart and lung capacity, to be able to play with our kids, and even to just do our normal daily activities. It is even a crucial factor in mental health and well being.

Now yes exercise can speed up the weight loss process and help you to maintain a healthy weight but it is not the biggest factor in weight loss. Proper nutrition is.

Exercise should be viewed and used for functional improvement and enjoyment. Torturing yourself can be counter productive to your goals. When you set out on an exercise routine and plan you need to have an end goal in mind. What are you trying to accomplish by exercising and when are you wanting to accomplish this goal. Do you want to run a 5K? How about lift 2 times your body weight? Are you competing in a sporting event? Or are you just trying to be able to walk up the stairs in your house? Whatever your goal is it should be functional in mind.

So set a goal and find an exercise routine and program that you enjoy that will help you reach that goal and then get started.

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