Wait, no, you really should watch what you eat.  Closely.  Count those calories, in fact.

But if you’re making fitness about “I ran X miles, I should be able to eat X calories” you’re missing the point of fitness.  And I’d bet you’re also frustrated at your lack of results.

I used to be this way, and then I discovered this is actually a very abstract (and ultimately wrong) way to measure fitness.  Yeah, it works, to a degree.  But notice that some people eat what they want and don’t gain weight, and so on?

That’s because the body’s functions are based on equilibrium.  If it’s used to being a certain way, it’ll do what it takes to stay that way.  And it’ll always find the path of least resistance to maintain that equilibrium.  And if an out of shape body can find a way to check out, it probably will.

Meaning, fitness is not about how active you are or what you eat, but whether you let your body check out and lose its shape.

I’ve seen this phenomenon most in distance runners.  It’s a common misconception that running far is somehow better than running fast.  What happens is they run in a certain shuffle, which allows their core muscles to check out.  So it’s a double-whammy.  The core muscles don’t become a part of the workout, and they also don’t hold the organs in place properly (since they’re so slack) which allows them to distend.   Basically meaning a slow runner can eat a lot more than a fast runner.

You see where I’m going with this?

Now it’s true, speed work is not for the meek.  You’re asking a lot of those tendons, especially if you’re a beginner.  But if you focus on those workouts that engage core muscles, and keep it working, and work it into your fitness regimen, that’s when you see your body change.

When your core muscles work, your other muscles have an easier time doing their performance.  The weight will be off joints and tendons that were not meant to handle that weight.  With your core solidly tucked away in your abdomen, you’ll also find the pressure off your back.

And yes, you’ll lose weight.

Everything changes.

You might even start to get interested in weightlifting.