why excerise alot?

well I've read that if you want to lose alot fo weight you should do cardio everyday if possible to "burn alot of calories". If you have a 750 calorie deficit from eating less and then you burn 500 calories from exercising you have to eat at least an extra 250 calories to keep the deficit of no more than 1000 calories. Then what is the point of burning 500 rather than 250 calorires from exercising (other than to be fitter ect)?Is to be fitter/healthier the only benefit?

Cardio will burn fat. And will help build muscle, which burns fat. Just because you eat, it doesn't ADD fat, unless you overeat.

speeds up your metabolism

Exercise -- weights or cardio, tae bo dvds or dancing or basketball, anything active burns calories and speeds up your metabolism.

And... as with diet, it's much better to think about fitness as a sustainable lifestyle instead of a crash program.  Not, how can I burn off enough calories to get to my goal weight in the shortest period of time and then be a couch potato again.  How can I get to a good level of activity and fitness so that I increase the likelihood of being healthy for many years.

You don't eat back your exercise deficit.  Your goal intake does not change with daily added activivity.

And its good for your heart!

It gives you more energy... and those pesky bed sores go away.

muscle uses up more calories then fat does... so once you start exercising and gaining muscles you'll be able to eat more in general and still lose weight... in addition, yes being fitter and healthier is a big benefit!  you can be skinny and still have trouble climbing stairs and running... those are important things that contribute to your overall health just as much as your weight... and it will give you more energy too.... if your exercising, you should be eating back some of that.... your body needs the protein and nutrients to keep your muscles strong! 

Because exercising is fun, of course.

I recently read an article that made the same arguement. That exercise was not as important to losing weight as what you eat. Meaning if you just eat more of the right things, and less of the wrong things... in proper proportion you will lose weight. I am not sure... but, that is what it said. It argued that the only real reason to exercise was for fitness, not weight loss. I do not know if I agree. But, I can see the point. Either way who cares... it is good for you either way.

One of my good friends has her B.A. in Food Science and Human Nutrition. She's also a personal trainer (super gorgeous and thin of course!)

She told me that you don't want to do more than 1 1/2 hours exercize every day because your body ends up grabbing onto your fat stores to protect itself. Working out every day is fine, she says, as long as it's not too too hard core (30 mins cardio). She suggests that you take at least 2 days off a week around your workouts because your body needs time to recover.

Why exercise?

Because your body is made to be used
Because you will look better if you add muscle
Because you can eat more and still lose weight (and get more nutrients)
Because most of us are overweight not just because we ate too much, but also because we didn't burn enough
Because it will help you maintain your weight
Because if you really want to lose weight and keep it off, you will be much better off if you burn a little more on a daily basis so that you can eat more for the rest of your life & still stay at a good weight.

To live long and prosper.

here's another reason: to get enough nutrients into your body.  Since exercise lets you eat those extra 250 calories, you will be more likely to get a proper amount of protein, calcuim, and all sorts of other things that your body might be missing from dieting.

Original Post by trhawley:

To live long and prosper.

 It's illogical not to.

 

In additon to the reasons already stated--It's nice to be able to open jars on your own, lift a child or a heavy box, keep up with your elderly grandmother at the mall or enjoy a good hike, preferably in some exotic European city....  

 

Because it feels awful not to!

Honestly, I get cranky and moody and downright blue if I'm not out and about and running around (literally!).

Running is my emotional ballast.

Also, endorphins are an absolute hoot.

I used to be a big time couch potato -- more like a sack than just one and discovered once I started just walking every day I lost weight quicker and it showed quicker - in that I lost inches.  Its fine to just eat a proper diet however when you start adding workouts into the mix you'll start to lose inches and look better.

I also know for me I feel better after working out.  I sleep better and my mental attitude is better and as that guy from Sat Night live would say "and I'm worth it"

True! True! True!!!

And... I AM worth it, lol!!!

Just broke a plateau  by adding strong cardio-- which I'd gradually gotten ready for, and now... I'm high on endorphins...!!!

Wooooo Hooooooo!!!!! Exercise ='s Awesome good stuff!!!!