Calories Shmalories

 #43 10/24/2025


We don't think ourselves into a new way of acting, we act ourselves into a new way of thinking. -Larry Bossidy


Fit Tip: Calories are the Least Important Benefit of Your Workout

One benefit of exercise is burning some calories; helpful as we love to stuff our faces with more than is necessary. This calorie burn should not be the main reason for your workout, nor the most desired benefit from your workout. If you are working out with the calorie burn at top of mind, maybe you should just watch your diet closer. Do some fork set-downs instead of extra push-ups. Exercise is done to strengthen the body, to keep all systems working properly. We were built to move, so move it or lose it. Gain or at least keep your muscle mass. Hang on to that bone density as it is harder to keep later in life. Strengthen your heart and lungs. Become a more capable human who can more easily enjoy activities. Look forward to aging well rather than dreading breaking down. That is why we exercise. 

Obsessing over the calorie burn can also cause one to choose their form of exercise based on what they have heard burns the most calories. It would be far wiser to simply pick the exercise you are more likely to stick with or to do something that provides more benefits than only energy expenditure (*cough lift weights.)

Some metrics to watch instead of your inaccurate calorie burn: increase in weight or reps performed, a faster or longer distance performed, better form, increased energy, increased strength, increased endurance, habit formation.


October Challenge: Get Off Your Phone

Your brain can be trained much like your muscles. Keep autopiloting to your handheld device at every dull moment and you are creating a flabby brain. Using Google and AI to answer every question instantly doesn't help either. Flex your brain and read a book or ponder instead. Rewire your brain to create healthier habits and untrain the habit of checking screens. 

This week: Spend at least 1 hour per day with your phone completely out of sight. If this already happens naturally during your job, then do it outside of that time when you might normally spend more time on your phone. Studies have shown even seeing your phone nearby can cause distraction, whether you check it or not. 

One other suggestion I make, especially for married couples: pick one day a week where your phone is off. Ideally, there is a day where you are together most of the day anyway. Turn it off, put it away, and enjoy your family. The world will continue to turn, I promise. 


Win the weekend!


Brad


Durable Dad Training

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