Exercise benefits the heart even when it doesn't shrink the waistline
Exercise is good for the heart even when it doesn't seem to be doing anything for the waistline. The reverse is also true: losing weight can help the heart even when it isn't getting the daily activity it needs, says the July 2012 issue of the Harvard Health Letter.
Many people equate exercise with weight loss. If they start exercising and the scale doesn't show an improvement right away, they tend to quit. Knowing that their workouts are good for the heart even if the extra pounds are stubbornly sticking around can help motivate them to stick with an exercise plan.