Exercise: It’s All About Movement

When I think about exercise for weight loss, I’m beginning to realize that it doesn’t always have to mean putting on workout clothes and doing an exercise routine. Sometimes I simply need to get up and move.

I learned that lesson after having what I thought was a really good week.

I counted my calories. I stayed on track. I felt pretty good about how I had done.

There was just one problem.

I had also been very sedentary.

That Wasn’t the Number I Was Hoping For

When I stepped on the scale at the end of the week, my weight loss was disappointing.

I knew I had done well with my calories, so naturally I started thinking about what else had been different that week.

And one thing stood out.

I hadn’t moved very much.

I had spent far too much time sitting.

Now, one week’s number on the scale doesn’t prove anything. Weight can fluctuate for all kinds of reasons.

But it did make me curious.

Then I Looked at the Calculator

I started looking more closely at how many calories I should be eating to lose weight.

That’s when I used our Weight Loss Calorie Calculator.

What caught my attention was the difference activity makes.

When I selected sedentary, I could see that my estimated calorie needs weren’t nearly as high as they would be if I were more active.

That gave me something to think about.

I realized that counting my calories was only part of what I wanted to work on.

I needed to move more too.

Exercise Doesn’t Have to Mean a Workout

When I hear the word exercise, it’s easy to picture an exercise routine.

But movement doesn’t have to happen only during a workout.

I can walk.

I can clean the house.

I can work outside.

I can get up and do something instead of sitting in my chair.

Of course, I can deliberately exercise too.

The important thing for me is to move.

So I’m Putting More Movement Into My Day

This week, I’m making a point of being more active every day.

I haven’t suddenly become an athlete.

I’m just paying attention.

If I have an opportunity to move, I’m trying to take it.

Instead of thinking that exercise has to be a separate event that I somehow have to fit into my day, I’m thinking about how I can put more movement into my day.

That feels much more manageable to me.

So What Will the Scale Say?

I don’t know yet.

That’s the interesting part.

I’m counting my calories, and this week I’m deliberately adding more movement to my days.

Will I have a better weight loss when I step on the scale next week?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Weight can fluctuate for plenty of reasons, so one week won’t prove anything either way.

But I’m curious.

And since you’re following along on my Calorie Crusade, you’ll find out when I do.

To be continued…