Conventional wisdom states that diet and exercise are the key to weight loss – you either need to lower calories or increase exercise to lose weight. Long ago I did the math, and quickly concluded that I’d rather eat less than train longer – just seemed to be the more efficient route. As kettlebell instructor David Whitley likes to say, “you can’t out-snatch a donut”.

This study from Loyola University found there was no association between weight gain and calories burned during physical activity. It is just simply too hard to exercise enough to really make a difference.

That having been said, there are a million other reasons why regular exercise is a great idea, from better sleep to improved memory and brain function, to reducing the likelihood of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. You aren’t as likely to develop osteoporsis and significantly more likely to age gracefully and avoid assisted living situations. But, if you are planning on treadmilling yourself thin, you might want to think again.