“  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-