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Original poster

Non-weight-loss benefits of exercise?

58 replies

eleanorsos · 28/07/2021 11:50

After having a baby 8 months ago, I am overweight and do need to lose some but that's not why I'm here.

I really want to get back into exercising regularly and keep to it, I've been doing the very occasional swim or run but not nearly regularly enough. Whenever I focus on weight loss I find it even harder to stick to - I can get a bit too obsessive and then if my diet falters I get all demotivated and give up on exercise too. So I think I need to look at exercise in a different way this time.

Can you tell me how exercising has improved your life in a way that isn't linked to your weight or body size/shape? If physical, more like being able to run for a bus than being able to fit into skinny jeans!

OP posts:
Mumski45 · 28/07/2021 12:50

My mental health is massively improved since I began exercising regularly. It's time for me which allows my brain to get rid of clutter which would otherwise stick. I cycle for a few hours at a time sometimes as an intensity which means that the only thing a I can't about is traffic and breathing properly. A good detox for the brain.

ArabeI · 28/07/2021 12:48

I enjoy exercise as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. And strength and general fitness, as others have said.

I went down to 2-3 times a week during lockdown, but have increased to almost daily exercise. Pilates at home, yoga classes, and, most recently, ballet classes (fun to get back into as an adult).

paddlingon · 28/07/2021 12:42

In in my mid 40's and only in the last couple of years took up regular exercise after a long break after dc.
It gives my body strength, meant I was able to start to learn to ski when dc asked me to and paddleboard with them.
I have confidence in body to do what I ask of it.

enjoyingscience · 28/07/2021 12:38

I do it as much for my mind as my body. If I don’t exercise for a few days I feel less focussed, more irritable and more tired.

I’m not that fit, or that strong, or that fast (in fact I’m very slow), but I appreciate my body in a way I never used to - I feel like we’re more of a team now!

Wombat64 · 28/07/2021 12:35

Think of it as movement not exercise and try to add it in throughout the day.

I'm a far better shape than I was years ago, even tho I've now put weight back on.

Notagain20 · 28/07/2021 12:34

Strength! Feeling strong feels good

Wombat64 · 28/07/2021 12:33

Avoiding sarcopenia as you get older.

The reason people can't get back to the size they were when they were younger is muscle density peaks and then declines. Exercise preserves it.

olderthanyouthink · 28/07/2021 12:30

Running was really really good for my mental health when I was in a bad place, it was like quiet time for my brain

Ballet was just something I fancied doing and it happened to be an enjoyable activity that was exercise

Cycling has always been part of my life, it's a fast and cheap means of transport and it's useful! I can have the DC join me and we don't have a car so it's how we can get about and get stuff done, our cargo bike is incredibly useful and even with a motor it's still work.