“ Yoga is good for you right ? How many times a week should I lift weights ? Why does my knee hurt when I run ? How do I get a six pack ? “
The best exercises to do … 
Exercise has become more than an activity . As a vehicle to a healthier lifestyle , working out has become a way of life for many . In an effort to battle health related diseases , live longer , and look better , being healthy is the new “in ” thing to do .
In this health conscious information age , it is the information itself that seems to be confusing . Trying to successfully navigate all the hype has become the obsession , an addiction of sorts . Like politics , religion , and the best way to make barbecue , questions about fitness can be loaded , and seldom answered to satisfaction . With endless theories , and countless options , the fitness consumer is left in the wind when trying to determine health from hype . I say “it’s all politics ” , respect all religions , and believe that low and slow is the only way to barbecue ribs .
The perfect workout , like my barbecue recipe constantly changes . It changes based on the individual , their goals , and their ability . When dealing with the human body , one size does not fit all . Barbecue prepared correctly only guarantees that it’s barbecue , not that you should eat it .
Barbecuing is a cooking method , and while ribs are my personal favorite , others prefer brisket. Just like seasoning beef and pork , people have individual needs. While some need tenderizing , others require a marinade , or perhaps a garnish . Though we all want to be “fit” , it means something different to all of us . Your health history , your pain tolerance , your personality all go into deciding which routine is appropriate .
Before asking which exercise is best , ask yourself the following :
Who are you now?
- what’s your health history , past injuries , age , leader , or follower ?
- what are you made of , what do you eat, drink , sleeping patterns , bowel movements , etc. ?
- are you a visual , auditory , or kinesthetic ( feeling based ) learner ?
- do you exercise currently , how often , for how long , are you satified with your results ?
What’s your goal ? 
- Flexibility ?
- Stronger ?
- Leaner ?
- Faster ?
- Increased endurance ?
- Better health ?
- Sports performance ?
- ALL OF THE ABOVE ???
What activities do you enjoy ?
- Outdoors , workout facility , court sports ?
- Resistance training , Rotational sports ( golf , softball, kickboxing) ?
- High/Low intensity ?
- Endurance sports , Power sports ???
The answer to these questions are the tools that I use to create individualized plans that work . The plans work for one simple reason . CONSISTENCY . All of the questions listed above creates an environment for change in the body , rather than merely enduring the fitness hour . If the movements of choice get results , they are the right ones , but even those only work when you do them .
The best exercises ??? THE ONE THAT YOU WILL DO !!!
The best exercise depends on all of the above factors . The single most important thing is to DO IT ( exercise). Whether you want to touch your toes , or win the Olympic gold , all of the above questions need to be considered . The best path is the one that gets you there safely , and effectively . Crash diets , and fad workouts that aren’t able to be maintained will ultimately fail .
If the goal is to attain a combination of strength , flexibility , etc. , then a game plan is in order . A proper game plan will begin with the end in mind , much like constructing a home . Creating a foundation , or safe movement patterns should happen before strengthening . Adding strength to those movements should happen before improving speed , and so on . After all the necessary components have been put in place , performance training should begin . Performance training includes activities that challenge the entire system , and it’s ability to improve in the desired areas . Exercise creates improvements in function ,the best plans will only work when the DOING begins .
What exercises you do , why you do them , and more importantly how they are done ( I’m very strict on form ) only matter IF you do them . Decide what works best by figuring out what works for you . By you , I mean your body , your goals , and your enjoyment . Enjoying exercise leads to consistency . Consistent pursuit of a goal will offer success . Accomplishing your goals should provide the body that you’re looking for . If not , re-check the goals .
When all else fails , give me a shout , I’ll help you figure it out . 
“If it were easy , everyone would be in shape !” -LARRY-
