"Why exercise Won't Make You Thin" by Cloud is an article that basically states that a few minutes of rigorous exercise alone each day will not make you thin. Cloud states that the reasons behind this is that people tend to eat more and exercise less the rest of the day after vigorous exercise. He says that less rigorous exercise done throughout the day is much more likely to cause you to lose weight, as is watching what you eat.
The basic problem that I see with Cloud's claim is the title of the article. Many people will only read the title and stop exercising. As humans most of us look for excuses to get out of things we don't like to do. What better excuse than this title on an article in Time Magazine? Think how many people just look at the title and never read the article.
I agree with most of what Cloud says. I think that it is backed up by many scientific claims. If you actually read most weight loss items they say "with exercise and a healthy diet". They don't say, "with exercise and McDonald's food." I think when you are at the gym and have to drive right by fast food places on your way home, you are more likely to stop because temptation is right in front of you. Whereas if you exercise at home and can't see that McDonalds sign you are less likely to go there.
Another reason that I believe it is that I have been a runner most of my life, but several months ago my doctor advised no more running. Instead I now walk each day. I try to walk about an hour and a half each evening. I have lost over 20 pounds and now wear a jean size that I haven't worn in over 20 years. The only other thing I have done differently is that I don't eat after I exercise. I eat supper before I walk. I also brush my teeth after every meal. It is amazing how much less attractive food tastes after brushing your teeth. However, I see how much more active I am after walking than running because I am less physically exhausted. While I am required to get exercise because of a health problem, I have actually seen more benefits from the walking. My knees, feet, and ankles hurt less, and it has been easier for me to take the weight off and keep it off. Another really amazing thing about it is that they are treating me with a drug that causes weight gain, and yet I still have lost weight instead of gaining it.
I do, however, think that diet has a lot to do with weight loss. I eat healthy, and rarely eat out. If I had to drive past McDonalds every night after exercising, that wouldn't be true anymore. Removing temptation helps me out a lot!!!!
Overall, I found a lot of truth to this article. I just really hope people don't just read the title and stop exercising!
