What’s THE Best Exercise?

You know what I am going to say, right?

WHICHEVER exercise you are ACTUALLY going to do is the best exercise.

Sometimes we get stuck in the “shoulds'“ and the recommendations, before considering the long-lasting behaviour change perspective. Don’t get me wrong, the recommendations are really important (more on those in a minute) but I want for you to START with what is going to be enjoyable and work best for you, and then we can look at what else needs to be added.

Doing what is more enjoyable and easier is often the best way to start to build a new habit and routine.

So, what do you like to do? What fits in your schedule? What feels right for your body and mind?

Add your choice to your schedule for the next few weeks. And you must commit and do this consistently. Don’t talk yourself out of it, and let yourself off the hook. Make it easy and enjoyable. Make it short duration, maybe just 10 mins a few times per week. Build the habit and routine AND the commitment to yourself.

Now, what about the recommendations? All components of fitness are key. Strength training, cardio training, flexibility, and mobility are all must-dos.

So here is where the “easy and enjoyable” meets the work. The truth is, you’re probably not going to love all parts of your exercise program. If you did love all-things-workout, you likely wouldn’t still be reading this article.

So the key is, to find what is easy and enjoyable to start, and then begin to build a really strong “why” for the other components that are trickier for you to adhere to. If you like walking and other cardio-based activities, but aren’t so keen on strength training, know that being stronger will allow your cardio to be easier and more likely injury-free.

Not sold? Strength training (and maintaining our muscle) is key to a long health-span (i.e. not just a longer life-span, which means living longer, but a longer health-span means living longer AND in the healthiest, most vibrant way).

Not sold? Research is beginning to see a connection between muscle-building activities and decreased risk of dementia and Alzheimers.

And the list goes on.

I want this to be easy for you, and there is still the other side of that coin. No one can do the work for you. No one is coming to make you workout. This is up to you, and you’re living with the benefits or the consequences.

I am cheering you on from the rooftops to get moving in any way that you can today. You are worth it.

Reach out if I can help: deanna@deannalangfordcoaching.com

Deanna