As wellness professionals, we were disturbed by this recent Time Magazine article. The premise behind the article is that exercise in itself does little to help people lose weight, and in fact can cause weight gain in those who feel hungrier after exercising, or who “reward” themselves with high-fat foods after their workout.
The author does (three pages into the article) explain the other benefits of exercise; those that don’t always translate directly to a slimmer waistline. But he even challenges the idea that moderate or aerobic exercise is necessary at all. Just moving around more during the day, he contends, may be enough.
Let’s note that the article does focus on “weight,” not “health.” But is the general public making that distinction when they see the cover headline, titled, “The Myth about Exercise?” Do the media really need to do more to support the idea that low weight equals health? Do they need to promote the notion that being sedentary is OK?
We’d have liked to see this article focus on why healthy choices need to be woven into all aspects of a person’s life – from exercise, to healthy eating, to getting proper rest and reducing stress. Something like, “Why Exercise Isn’t Enough.”