A few years ago, a group of researchers published a wonderful editorial piece in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Titled It is time to bust the myth of physical inactivity and obesity: you cannot outrun a bad diet, the article stirred the pot and highlighted important data on weight loss. The literature highlighted how many sports medicine, physio, and personal training professional are biased to exercise as the primary mode for weight loss. Furthermore, the authors came out and boldly stated that physical activity does not promote weight loss. That’s right, physical activity does not promote weight loss.
I have spent most of my adult life overweight. I have also been active most of my life. In fact, I have run half marathons and A Super Spartan Race (10 miles through the mud with 28 obstacles) while being 40 pounds overweight with a BMI that classified me as obese. Still, I was not sick, and I did not consider myself fat. I was lying to myself. It’s actually difficult to look at these pictures, not because I am not proud that I finished, because I am. But, I had no business running that race. It is because of moments like this that the they have coined the phrase, “but did you die?” Thankfully, I did not die, and thankfully I have learned that you don’t have to be sick to be unhealthy.
I used to think that I could exercise my way out of my bad habits, but you can’t outrun your fork. The harder I tried, the more I hurt myself. Torn meniscus, torn Achilles’ tendon, too many aches and pains to list.
A year and a half ago, I turned myself in to be coached towards optimal health and it has been the best decision I have ever made. I’m so thankful for our program that helped me dial in my nutrition and taught me healthy habits. I feel better now than any time I can remember, and I’m ready to take on fresh adventures. If you are frustrated because no matter how much exercise you do, you still can’t get where you want to be. If you are tired of being overweight and unhealthy and you are ready to be coached towards optimal health. Reach out, I’d be honored to help you!
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