By Audrey Burghard, Wellness Coordinator
I have spent over 20 years
working out and 8 years as a personal trainer. During that time I was often
asked “What is the best workout”?
I did as many others have
done; I chased the next thing that would make me more fit. But along the way I
have come to agree with my good friend and Exercise Physiologist Jason Aziz
when he states that the best workout is, whatever gets you moving and
enjoying yourself. I know it sounds too simple and not
very scientific. We often look for
magic or some elaborate answer to our inability to adhere to our exercise or
nutrition goals. However, if you
give these questions some thought, you will be able to figure out what the best
workout is for you. After all,
why would you want to do a workout fit for Lance Armstrong?
- What is my fitness goal? Are you looking to increase, or maintain your
fitness? Those are really the
only 2 options; I don’t imagine anyone wanting to decrease their fitness
level! Are you expecting too
much for the amount of time you have to put into it?
- What am I doing NOW? What does your workout routine
include now? (lifting
weights, cardiovascular work, stretching)
- Is That Working For You? Are you happy with your
results? If not, how can you
add something that you will enjoy?
At the end of the day, being
happy in your own skin is more important than your fitness level. Enjoying your workouts doubles the
value. You not only receive the
physical benefits, but you relieve stress by doing something you enjoy. If it’s a chore, you most likely will
abandon it. Doing things that we
don’t enjoy increases stress.
I hope by now you are
thinking, “I always wanted to play golf but I thought it didn’t count as exercise”.
Does it make you move? Is
it enjoyable? Then by all means,
DO IT! Think outside the box and
take a dance class, try a hula hoop, go kayaking or walk to a destination
rather than taking your car.
The workout that keeps you
showing up day after day: That’s
the best workout!
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