In the last few weeks, I wrote different articles on cardio training, strength training and flexibility. From these articles I have had a lot of questions asked: “what is the best workout for me?”.
I follow several different fitness blogs and I am continuously taking courses to upgrade my fitness education. Anytime there is a ‘latest and greatest’ exercise or training methodology I am all over it. I am just a wee bit passionate about fitness magazines and have been known to spend hours surfing the internet and Pinterest for the next greatest workout. Beyond just being my guilty pleasure, I am always looking for some new ideas to keep my clients sweating and more importantly interested in being active.
There is a lot of talk about what is the best workout. Some workouts burn more calories, while other will make you stronger. One mention of CrossFit and I have the attention of many while others will tout the benefits of a dance party workout in the form of Zumba or Cize. Whatever your reason for training be it losing weight, toning down, building muscle, bulking up, preparing for a marathon or a fundraising walk, getting physically active to combat or prevent disease, stress management, or ultimately just improving your health and prolonging your life, we all have the same end goal: self improvement.
What is the best, easiest, more efficient and most effective way of accomplishing that end goal? While every new trend makes the claims of being the best, how does one decipher all the message to answer that question: what REALLY is the best workout?
The answer is easy! The best workout for you is the workout that you will do!
I am very uncoordinated to the point that I will cause physical harm to myself or those around me if I even think of putting two dance steps together. On the best of days I struggle to pronounce cho-re-o-gra-phy. If I was told that Zumba, Step, Cize or anyone of those choreographed workouts in tune to music was the best way to get active and meet my fitness goals, I would have ran off in tears and hid.
At the same time, if barbells and weight plates make you shudder in fear or the thought of lifting weights intimidates you, you will be much more likely to find an excuse to avoid your workout.
Yes, I do believe stepping out of your comfort zone is key to challenging and changing your body. I, however, don’t support throwing all caution and inhibitions to the wind. You have to find what works for you and I am not suggesting your return to your couch potato status.
Don’t ignore all that you hear about this workout or that. It is true some methods will work better than others. Some plans will burn more calories during exercise, others will burn more calories during rest, and some plans may not burn many calories at all. The key to finding the best workout plan is finding something that you enjoy and keep you interested over time.
