Exercise: Cut back and get fat

Thinking about cutting back on exercise? Think again. Lighten up on your fitness, and you just might gain a bit.

When exercisers in one study slacked on physical activity, they gained weight. And guess what? The more they slacked, the more they gained. It's worth mentioning that slackers who kept a bit of workout in their worlds didn't pack on the pounds as much as those who let their efforts slide to zero. Still, their numbers climbed. And what's worse? The more prolonged the hiatus, the harder it is to take weight off once old habits are embraced again. That's right -- simply working out like you once did won't work. You have to do more.

Motivated to stick with your fitness now? I am.