The one that you’ll actually do!
With so many exercise routines, methodologies, and recommendations, when you first get started, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.
The Best Exercise Is the One You’ll Actually Do
The best place to start is with the exercise you’ll actually do, and in most cases, that’s the type of exercise or physical activity you enjoy!
It could be playing sports, doing yoga, or taking long walks and hikes.
Either way, moving your body is moving your body, and any type of movement is better than none!
Our Bodies Are Meant to Move
Furthermore, when we start moving our bodies, we begin to realise that it’s what our bodies are meant to do.
Our bodies are meant to move.
And move in various ways:
Walk, run, sprint, lift, jump, pull, push, press, squat, lunge, etc.
You get the point.
Use It or Lose It: The Cost of a Sedentary Life
Yet we’ve become so sedentary that we’ve forgotten this phenomenon, which, over time, has led to our ability to move being so vastly decreased that now, many struggle to even take a 20-minute walk.
It’s that famous old saying coming true…
“If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
This saying might sound cliché, but it’s cliché for a reason, because it’s true and holds so much wisdom, yet we dismiss it.
When, in fact, if we acted on it, our lives would most likely be a lot better and healthier in more ways than one!
Acknowledging Where We Are as a Society
I say all of this not to diminish people’s current physical capabilities or shame them, but to acknowledge where we are as a society.
Because if we cannot acknowledge where we are, how can we truly move forward, improve, and change the direction of human health?
Acknowledgement and awareness are always the first steps in any change, and without them, change does not occur.
I think it’s more than fair to say that change is needed when it comes to the direction of human health. And while I could back that up with facts, stats, and research, I think the best research is to simply take a look out of our windows into our communities and neighbourhoods.
We would clearly see that as a society, we are moving less and eating more, which is contributing to the obesity crisis, and more people are socially disconnected than ever before!
We’re more stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed most of the time, and all of this is contributing to the rise of chronic disease and ill health!
The Simple Antidote: Add More Movement to Your Daily Life
One of the antidotes to this societal challenge that we can all do is simple:
Start moving a little bit more by adding more movement into your daily life.
Some quick and easy ways to do this that I utilise are:
- Parking further away from my destination, such as the store
- Always taking the stairs instead of the lift
- Taking walking phone calls and meetings most of, if not all, of the time
There are many other ways to increase our movement levels, but these are some of the quickest, easiest, and simplest ways I’ve found that we can do in our daily lives.
Two Truths About Movement and Exercise
At the end of the day, I believe two phenomena hold to be true:
- Moving more is hardly ever a bad idea.
- The best type of exercise and movement is the one that you will do.
Key Takeaways on The Best Type of Exercise
- Start with Enjoyment: The most effective exercise is simply the one you will consistently do. Choose an activity you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s sports, yoga, or walking, because any movement is a positive step for your health.
- The ‘Use It or Lose It’ Principle: Our bodies are designed for a wide range of movements. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to a decline in your physical abilities, highlighting the truth in the old saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
- Acknowledge the Need for Change: Recognising how little we move as a society is the first step in improving our collective health. Increased inactivity and stress are contributing to widespread chronic health issues.
- Integrate Movement into Daily Life: You don’t need a complex gym routine to be more active. Simple changes like parking further from your destination, always choosing the stairs, or taking phone calls while walking can make a significant difference.
FAQs for The Best Type of Exercise
What is the best type of exercise if I’m a beginner?
The best exercise to start with is any physical activity you find enjoyable. When you like what you’re doing, you’re far more likely to stick with it. It could be anything from hiking and dancing to playing a sport. The key is to just start moving.
Why do I feel overwhelmed when trying to choose an exercise routine?
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. There is a huge amount of information and countless exercise methodologies available. Instead of trying to find the ‘perfect’ plan, focus on one simple, enjoyable activity to build momentum.
How can I fit more movement into my busy schedule?
You can increase your activity levels with small, intentional choices throughout the day. Try parking your car at the far end of the car park, always taking the stairs instead of the lift, or turning phone calls into walking meetings. These small habits add up.
Is walking really considered good exercise?
Absolutely. Any form of movement is better than none, and walking is a fantastic and accessible way to move your body. Our bodies are meant to move, and walking is a fundamental part of that.
What are the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle?
Living a sedentary life can lead to a decrease in your physical capabilities over time. This lack of movement is a major contributor to the rise in obesity, stress, and many chronic diseases that are prevalent today.
