THE IMPORTANCE OF THE “OTHER 23 HOURS”

We often forget that when we workout it is typically only an hour per day at best. If we do not move for the rest of the day and our total caloric intake is to high we will never see the results we desire. This is why it is important to make a conscience effort to move more throughout the day. For example if you are on the phone a lot at work walk around your desk while you talk. You would be amazed at how many extra calories you burn. Or rather than coming home and immediately sitting on the couch after dinner, go for a brisk 15 minute walk. It all adds up at the end of the day. In looking at the findings in the study below it is clear you can not just "diet" or "exercise" you need to make a lifestyle shift to move more and eat a little less.

25 Year Meta-Analysis - journal of obesity and metabolic disorder

Diet only:
Least effective for maintenance

Exercise only:
Least effective for fat loss

Diet + Exercise :
Most effective for fat loss and maintenance


How important are the other 23 hours?
24 hours x 7 days = 168

Even if you work out for an hour seven days a week that leaves you with 161 hours to screw up all your hard work. It does not make sense to me to work extremely hard in the gym for five or six hours per week and then flush all your hard work down the toilet because you decided to watch television from the time you get home and eat everything in the kitchen. Does this mean you should be a workout nut and eat tofu and alfalfa sprouts? Absolutely not. It means that making some slight adjustments in your day will keep all of your hard work from going out the window.