Is light exercise just a waste of time?

[Anonymous]

I'm very obese, to the point where I can't exercise for very long (to be fair, I can walk for miles on end, but that takes time I don't have right now). If I do, for example, two minutes of jump rope (or rowing machine, or whatever), is that better than nothing? Or will I just be getting my heart rate up and making myself sweaty for nothing?

I've always wondered this.

[Anonymous]

Dramatically better than nothing!

[Anonymous]

Of course it's better than nothing, but there's also nothing wrong with just walking. Get a Smartwatch or use your phone to track steps. Aim for over 5,000 a day. I'd rather burn 50 calories by taking a long walk than jump roping for a few minutes, that sounds boring. I don't want to do things I hate - find something that moves you that you enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Do you enjoy it? Then not a waste of time.

Even a little exercise is better than no exercise. Yes, do intermittent exercise! on the hour stand up and do 10 jumping jacks or 2 minutes on the rowing machine! Next hour do some push ups or squats. If you are at work, if you do 2 minutes of exercise every hour -- that will add up to 16 minutes of exercise!! That's the minutes I do of body weight exercies in the morning. It's all good, it all adds up!!

[Anonymous]

Very obese,yet able to walk for miles. That is great. Many obese individuals cannot walk far due to painful feet, knees, etc. Take advantage of your ability to walk. Eat a healthy diet based on salads and fruits and vegetables. Good luck !

[Anonymous]

Not at all a waste of time. But try to push yourself a little bit more each time.

[Anonymous]

Do this. 20 minutes of all-bodyweight exercises.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772611/

[Anonymous]

Any exercise is better than no exercise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you enjoy it? Then not a waste of time.

Even a little exercise is better than no exercise. Yes, do intermittent exercise! on the hour stand up and do 10 jumping jacks or 2 minutes on the rowing machine! Next hour do some push ups or squats. If you are at work, if you do 2 minutes of exercise every hour -- that will add up to 16 minutes of exercise!! That's the minutes I do of body weight exercies in the morning. It's all good, it all adds up!!

No, I don't enjoy it. I would rather be sitting on the couch reading a book, if we're being honest.

But yes - does intermittent exercise lead to weight loss is my question, I guess. IF is working, but I'd love a little bump. If it won't add to it, though, I'd rather just spend that time reading.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very obese,yet able to walk for miles. That is great. Many obese individuals cannot walk far due to painful feet, knees, etc. Take advantage of your ability to walk. Eat a healthy diet based on salads and fruits and vegetables. Good luck !

People always say this, and I see people my weight in scooters at the grocery store, and I find it odd. I (OP) am 270 pounds but hike as often as I can. We did Delicate Arch last summer, and while I was out of breath in some parts, I was never in pain or had thoughts of turning around.

[Anonymous]

Audio books while you walk?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Audio books while you walk?

I wish. Have tried, just can't do them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Audio books while you walk?

I wish. Have tried, just can't do them.

Kindle/kindle app reading on the treadmill? Love personally, does not feel like exercise

[Anonymous]

Light exercise helps keep you healthy, but it is unlikely to help much for weight loss.

[Anonymous]

Yes exercise will help you lose weight a bit faster. If you’re actually obese you burn quite a few calories just walking for an hour and it probably won’t make you much hungrier. Exercise makes it much easier to have a calorie deficit.