Many of us have had the idea that increased physical activity will decrease our body weight, but new research suggests otherwise. In a recent study showed “among women consuming a usual diet, physical activity was associated with less weight gain only among women whose BMI was lower than 25. (So if you’re BMI is over 25, which is everyone considered overweight or obese, you’re likely not going to lose weight). Women successful in maintaining normal weight and gaining fewer than 2.3 kg over 13 years averaged approximately 60 minutes a day of moderate-intensity activity throughout the study”.1

So, basically, according to this study, if you eat a “usual diet” you have to exercise 60 minutes per day if you don’t want to gain weight…and you will not lose anything! I know, this is not a reassuring finding, but the good news for all of you that seem to “fit” this description, the study does have some shortcomings…

The study failed to point out the type of exercise, which is very important. Aerobic exercise like “cardio”, can cause the release of cortisol which will cause you to gain weight! Yeah, that’s a scientific fact, cortisol will cause an increase in blood sugar and therefore insulin…putting your body in FAT STORAGE MODE…this is called over-training! Resistance training, or “strength training” is ideal for improving overall health and increasing metabolism and aesthetics.

This study highlights the fact that mindless working-out is, well…to put it nicely, not smart. You have to be mindful of what you are doing for exercise, and how your body responds on a biochemical level or you could be wasting your time!