The Importance of Exercise for Weight Loss

It is not essential to exercise if you want to lose weight. However, a proper amount of exercise accelerates weight loss, and makes you a healthier person.

We all know that to lose weight you must consume fewer calories than you burn, so in theory you could sit in front of the TV all day, eat virtually nothing, and still lose weight. That's because our bodies consume calories even when we are asleep or inactive. Read more about it in our article about your Basal Metabolic Rate.

We all know that to lose weight you must consume fewer calories than you burn, so in theory you could sit in front of the TV all day, eat virtually nothing, and still lose weight. That's because our bodies consume calories even when we are asleep or inactive. (Read more about it in our article about your Basal Metabolic Rate).

However, if you exercise, you burn more calories, which increase the speed at which you can lose weight. In fact, there are a number of reasons why it's important to exercise if you want to lose weight.

1. Calorie reduction. It's simple math: to lose weight, you must consume fewer calories than you burn. By exercising, you burn more calories than if you were not exercising, so you can lose weight faster.
2. More calorie reduction. You don't just burn calories while you are exercising; you also burn more calories after you exercise. That's because your body works hard to repair itself, even while you are asleep. Exercise turns your body into a fat burning machine.
3. Exercise makes you feel good. Exercise is invigorating. It makes you feel good, and it's good for you.
4. Exercise makes you healthier. Exercise benefits the heart, blood circulation, blood pressure and lowers risk of coronary heart disease, and it strengthens bones and decreases risk of osteoporosis.
5. Sleep. You will sleep better if you exercise, because your body is tired when you go to bed, so you fall asleep more quickly, and sleep more soundly.
6. Helps Manage Stress. Exercise is a great stress reliever; it takes your mind off your problems, and helps you relax.
7. Exercise is good for you. To be healthy and fit, you need to exercise.

To lose weight and keep it off permanently, you need to change your lifestyle, and the best lifestyle change you can make is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

In a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine on July 28, 2008 (here's the link: Effect of Exercise on 24-Month Weight Loss Maintenance in Overweight Women) it was discovered that the more you exercise, the more weight you can lose.

In the study, overweight and obese women reduced their caloric intake, and exercised at varying rates.

They discovered that individuals sustaining a weight loss of 10% or more of initial body weight exercised more than other study participants that lost less weight.

According to the study, four and a half hours per week of vigorous physical activity, combined with a reduced calorie diet, is very important in allowing overweight women to sustain weight loss. To lose weight, more exercise is better. Don't just go for a leisurely stroll three times a week; go for a brisk walk for 45 minutes to an hour six times a week, or add in other forms of physical activity to enhance weight loss, like riding your bike, swimming, or running.  

Make sure that the exercise you choose is fun. If you hate playing hockey, don't take up hockey! Do something you like, because you will be more likely to stick to it if you enjoy it.

For more detailed information, be sure to refer to our Top Weight Loss Secrets.