Skinny Folks Need Exercise Too

October 5th, 2009

One of the biggest misconceptions about exercise is that you only do it to lose weight. And while it’s true that exercise is an essential part of dropping the pounds, don’t let that fact prevent you from keeping up with a regular exercise routine just because you’re already within a healthy weight range.

Thin people who maintain a healthy weight — either through diet alone or by being one of those lucky individuals with enviably high metabolisms — yet do not exercise face a greater risk of heart and other cardiovascular problems. In fact, in a study of lean exercisers, lean non-exercisers and obese non-exercisers, the LDL levels (levels of heart-clogging cholesterol) in the lean non-exercisers were similar to that of the obese non-exercisers, according to a report by BBC News. The study was published in the International Journal of Obesity.

The study suggests that being sedentary, no matter what your weight, contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This and other studies point out that exercise has other health benefits besides weight loss.

Cardio workouts are important to heavy and thin alike because the heart, just like any other muscle, needs a workout to stay strong, according to Cleveland Clinic. However, another benefit of exercise is to build lean muscle. While cardio workouts, e.g. running on a treadmill or cycling, are good for the heart, strength training workouts can help increase your physical strength. There are plenty of thin people who — for lack of a better word — are just plain wimpy. Many have no definition to their muscles and find hard work exhausting as a result. Cardio combined with strength training can increase your physical strength and stamina.

Another reason thin people should still exercise is because a good workout is a great stress reliever. It is an excellent outlet for the things that have bothered you throughout the day, and leaves you full of endorphins that make you feel good. Being a couch potato doesn’t really offer many opportunities to improve your mood or attitude.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that a thin person should exercise excessively. In fact, doing so can lead to an unhealthy low weight. A good rule of thumb for a healthy adult in a healthy weight range is to incorporate two hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise into your week and strength training at least twice a week, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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