'Exercise Pill' Sounds WAY Too Good to Be True

maandag 29 juli 2013

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by Emily Abbate 17 hours ago

Exercise takes effort, period. In most cases, getting outside for a late afternoon jog is much, much less appealing than sitting out barbecuing with your girlfriends. So what if I were to tell you that there may soon be a new pill that promises the benefits of exercise, sans effort. Sounds too good to be true, right? I know! Two new studies reveal that an "exercise pill" may not be too far off.

In one study, mice were treated with a synthetic drug that not only burned calories, but also aided in weight loss, despite the fact that they were moving around less and eating the same as always. In a separate study, mice injected with the drug showed increased endurance. In short: this drug that they're testing may have the capability to make you feel like Superman and lose weight without getting up off the couch.

But like I said, it sounds too good to be true ... because it is.

The first thing I'll say is that there are already plenty of supplements on the market that aid in weight loss and help boost endurance. That, well, that's nothing new. The problem with this potential "exercise pill," just like those supplements, is that it can't give you the toning or heart healthy benefits of real exercise. While users may be able to slim down, you won't necessarily develop great muscle tone.

Not to mention, real exercise boosts your endorphins, which put you in an overall better mood. Yeah, sneaking in a sweat session can be a bit of a hassle, but afterward I'm almost always in a better mood. I'm pretty sure no pill can substitute for that feeling of accomplishment. At the end of the day, I'm much more into the real deal than this potential little pill, no matter how much of a bother it can be. Hey, that's just me.

Would you take an "exercise pill" in place of the real thing?

Image via Farm_Studio_Field/Flickr

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City Wants People to Pay to Exercise in Public Parks -- Seriously?!

donderdag 18 juli 2013

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by Emily Abbate 11 hours ago

When I go to the park and see people working out here in New York City, it makes me feel good. It makes me happy to know I live in a place where at least some of the population cares about their physical fitness. Which is why it is absolutely absurd to me that Denver is contemplating charging people to exercise in parks. Yes. As in, making them pay. As in, they're discusing whether or not workout groups, like yoga clubs, joggers, and boot camps, should have to pay extra fees to conduct classes in public parks.

I am ... dumbfounded. I get it. These "businesses" are using the park as a place to provide their services and "goods." Without a permit, they're sorta kinda "breaking the law." But GIVE ME A BREAK, DENVER. Are they really that desperate for money over there?

I just can't get over the idea that Denver is essentially contemplating whether or not they should penalize people for working out. Plain and simple: No one needs discouragement to get healthy. Instead, we should all applaud those exercising, getting out, and getting their rear into gear. At least, that's where I'm at.

Plus -- aren't there bigger issues at hand, here? What about crime over there? Or bullying? Or for Pete's sake, if the city is killing itself over money then go on and impose some sort of drive thru-tax or something. Cigarettes! Anything! Healthy people make your city a more attractive place to live. I'm sure as hell that people who are spending their time being active should be the least of your worries, Denver.

Force the workout buffs out of the park, and I'll be interested to see what happens next.

Do you think this is ridiculous?

Image via lululemon athletica/ Flickr

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