Don't Rip Up Your Gym Card Just Yet

The last thing overweight Americans need to hear is that exercise won't help you lose weight. Though this article makes a compelling argument, don't take up sofa-bound needlework just yet. The article is clear that exercise is healthy. Okay. But, to say that exercise can actually make you gain more weight, is jumping the shark. Sure, muscle-bound gym-aholics in the weight room are looking to pack on some size. The guy hitting the gym with a gut might end up weighing more than when he started as the gut disappears -- since muscle weighs more than fat. But that will eventually equalize as more body fat is expended.

Sure, I've worked for the health supplements industry for a little bit, so I'm gonna naturally be bias against this sort of article. When people have asked me how to lose weight, I generally get a little frustrated when they are chowing down a Cinnabon. The answer for the author's frustration -- why he can't lose weight, is right there in his article. Of course you have to watch what you eat. Just because you work-out doesn't give one cart-blanche to eat what you want. Cut out calories from your diet: eat less and burn more. Don't eat that muffin after you run. Protein immediately after working out is the best way to go, so long that you account for those calories (protein helps repair and build muscle, and is a natural appetite suppressant). Hit the gym, and enjoy the multitude of benefits from a good workout -- including weight loss.

Lastly: don't take advice from biased aspiring writers with a blog.