What Workout Is Best?
We all know that a maintaining a regular exercise regimen is important for our health.
We decrease our risk of a laundry list of health conditions and diseases as we age by adhering to a healthy diet and exercise plan. Our muscle mass deteriorates naturally, progressively over the course of our lifetimes, especially starting once we get into our 30’s and 40’s and continuing beyond in age, unless we proactively do something about it.
It’s obvious to you that I’m most into dance fitness and bootcamp classes, and while in my world, everyone would love and commit to both as much as I do, I’m aware of the reality that everyone enjoys different types of physical activities and gravitates toward their favorites, if they are already physically active and know what their favorites are (if you’re not one of these people, I challenge you to explore and figure it out)! Variety is the spice of life! Cross-training, or varying the types of exercise you engage in (i.e. cardio, muscle strength/endurance, and stretching) to address all major muscle groups, can prevent injury and enhance performance. Variety minimizes the likelihood of boredom to creep in and tempt you to ditch your stale workout routine for a sedentary sitting session on the couch, watching TV while consuming a bag of processed chips or cookies. I encourage you to be open-minded and try new types of physical activity; you may discover something super awesome that you want to incorporate into your regular routine!
What are the best modes of exercise for you? The ones you’ll stick to long-term! After all, what good is a mode of exercise to you if you don’t engage in it regularly?
Here are some ideas to consider incorporating into your exercise routine:
- Group fitness classes: Cardio Kickboxing, Zumba® or other dance fitness formats, Step Aerobics, Strength/Endurance Training (incorporating hand weights, resistance bands/tubing, and body weight exercises), Cardio/Strength Interval, Bootcamp, Pilates, Yoga (there are so many different types out there, from gentle/restorative to vigorous vinyasa flow), Indoor Cycling, etc.
- Walking (one of the most accessible, practical, and beneficial exercises that most people can physically engage in throughout the course of their lifetimes), jogging/running (outside or treadmill), cycling (indoor or outdoor)
- Cardio machines: Stair-stepper, treadmill, elliptical machine, stationary bike, recumbent bike (the one where your feet are in front of you)
- Free weights or weight machines (It’s so important to work opposing muscle groups — Don’t know what those are? Contact me and I’ll be happy to explain!)
- Body weight exercises (e.g. push-ups, curl-ups, bicycle crunches, plank, burpees, squats, lunges — again, consider opposing muscle groups)
- Indoor rock climbing or outdoor hiking
- Ice skating, roller blading/skating
These are just some ideas to get you started in your thought process and action plan. Please feel free to reach out to me to brainstorm further! I would love the opportunity to work with you if you’re seeking added encouragement and support in developing and executing a personal game plan!
I’d like to close on a related note regarding being smart and realistic when it comes to listening to your body — giving it adequate rest in-between workouts, being mindful of where you are and engaging in exercises that are appropriate for your fitness level and abilities. Always stop any physical activity that causes you pain of any kind and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns before engaging in a new exercise program.
Pursuing an active lifestyle is of upmost importance to me personally and has given me confidence, happiness, and strength as a result, not to mention the amazing social network of like-minded people I have met. I hope the same for YOU!