The End of "Time"…..

It seems as though if anyone looks hard enough they can find a study supporting a particular belief they have. I find that this particular article mentioned in the August 17th issue of Time magazine to be just another example of that. The article, ìWhy Exercise Wonít Make You Thinî, by John Cloud goes on citing several studies supporting this claim. The story would have us believe that: Losing weight matters more than being fit and preventing disease, one canít lose weight from exercise because exercise makes you hungrier ñ and will power canít conquer the hunger enough to make good food choices, just moving around more during the day is more effective for weight loss than dedicated exercise, vigorous exercise depletes energy resources so much that it leads to overeating, i.e., weight gain.

I can understand that the author of this article is excited about these studies he cites; hence, giving him a handwritten excuse to take it easy today and skip that workout for that leisurely stroll around the block instead. While it is obviously better to increase your daily activity- i.e. take the stairs instead of the elevator, I believe this authorís stand and the silly studies he cites are just another example of why the obesity epidemic has reached the point it has. Itís easier to call it a day after adding up those walks up the stairs and work in the garden, as opposed to being stuck under a loaded barbell, staring at a personal best squat, bench press or dead lift. Hard work hurts. Itís easier to stay at home and not test yourself, never seeing what youíre really made of.

At the end of the day I just have to laugh at an article like this one. Read this to the countless warriors, busting their butts here at Empower, fitting into clothes they havenít worn since high school or college, read it to the athletes training to hit a new PR (personal record) in the gym to beat their opponent across from them on the field. They will do exactly what I did..put the magazine down, pass ìthat guyî on the street and know..I can beat them.

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Matthew Alegre, CSCS Master Trainer
With over 10 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Matthew has trained clients from a variety of fitness backgrounds. His expertise extends from those with special needs and disabilities to Olympic level athletes. For more information about Empower Personal Training please call (919) 401-8024.

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