By David
Posted October 6, 2009
Likes: 1

Like (Vote as many times as you'd like)

Those of you who know me, are probably aware that yours truly is no stranger to the gym.

I'm not currently overweight and have no illnesses, but I am focused on preventative care. Maybe my focus is as a result of a family history of heart disease and diabetes, and maybe it's as a result of being a slightly older parent. I want to be able to play with my children without getting winded. I love carrying my children on my shoulder and they are no longer light or small. And I also would like to increase my chances of sticking around long enough to enjoy more milestones in my children's lives. There is a bar- and bat-mitzvah to attend, high-school and college graduations, weddings, and the birth of grandchildren ahead.

For the past 15 years, my weight has somewhat fluctuated, and so I'm always careful about consuming too much fat, sugar, and too many calories. I don't subscribe to any particular diet, but I'm careful to keep track of my food intake.

These days, I work out at the gym three times a week. Each time, I run close to two miles on the elliptical, and then lift weights.

I should really add that I basically hate exercising and dieting. I'm not naturally inclined to be a gym rat, nor a health nut. On the contrary, I love eating unhealthy food and I much prefer a sedentary lifestyle. Given the choice, I'd always choose a movie over the shoulder press and a steak over salad. But somehow that hasn't derailed my much dreaded exercise routine and careful diet.

Exercise isn't the way to lose weight?

All in all, I've lost about ten pounds in the past year. But I've been exercising regularly for the past three years. So, why haven't I lost weight sooner?

Because, contrary to popular belief, exercise does not directly help with weight loss. In fact, when I get home after working out at the gym, I'm basically starving like at no other time of the day or night. It's very difficult not to over-eat at that point and regain not only all the calories I burn at the gym, but a whole bunch more.

As it turns out, I'm not alone with this challenge. Here's an interesting article from New York Magazine: