This is an old thread I found using the search function, however since I'm new to the forum this is new to me and I have some comments.

Even if the basic point that building extra muscle does not burn an appreciable extra amount of calories is true (no more than a cookie per day, for instance) and even if exercise only adds a few months to one's lifespan (which I question, I would think it adds much more) still there are other benefits from exercise beyond weightloss.

For one, there's the quality of life. Exercise, particularly strengthtraining can keep one from losing bone mass in later life, can strengthen joints, delay or minimize the effects of arthritis. You can still do those hikes through the mountains or climb the stairs for many more years that one who doesn't exercise. In other words, the Quality of Life improves significantly even if the length of life only increases a little. Then, as the author says, you can look a lot better in a swimsuit or anything else with intense exercise.