Did you know that exercise may be more beneficial than dieting if you want to lose weight and live a healthier life?
According to fitness experts – and several studies – people get more benefits from working out than they do from dieting. This also applies to obese people who exercise regularly when compared to overweight or slender people who live a sedentary lifestyle.
Recent evidence shows that inactivity is a major problem. In fact, it is a bigger problem than obesity, which is considered to be widespread. All studies looking at this issue indicate that even in those people who are overweight, getting up and moving is beneficial to their overall health.
Researchers have found that obese people who are not particularly fit are more likely to die of any cause than obese people who are moderately fit. If you work out while obese, your risk drops below those who are at a normal weight but are sedentary.
Even though a healthy diet is extremely important, you really need to stay active. This does not mean you should switch to highly processed, unhealthy foods as long as you work out, but it does mean that diet may not be as critical as once thought when it comes to overall mortality. Your level of activity is what is really essential.
What types of exercise should you be aiming for to stay active? Activities such as running, swimming, and walking are always good choices, but you should also include stretching and strengthening in addition to balancing activities such as tai chi and yoga.
Remaining active can seem like a daunting task, especially for those individuals who have not found an exercise routine that they love. The secret to staying active – and getting enough exercise to stay healthy – is to find something you enjoy. If you do, you are more likely to continue doing it.
This means you do not have to hit the gym every day after work, especially if that is not something that you enjoy doing. If you have a dog and enjoy taking him for a walk, that is perfect! Do you have a bicycle and kids? Go out for a ride. All of these activities can be considered exercise, and if you do it regularly, it will definitely have a positive effect on your health.
Keep in mind that when it comes to living a healthier life and losing weight, you do have to look out for your whole body. While studies have shown that exercise makes a bigger difference than just dieting, you should still opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains whenever possible.
