I am often asked which exercises are the best. The short answer is the ones you enjoy and participate in regularly. It doesn’t make sense to jump into a program or activity that you don’t like. The chances of you sticking to it long term aren’t very good. Besides why do something you don’t like.
For example, I really don’t like jogging. I can understand why some people enjoy it. They like taking in the environment and it gives them a chance to get their thoughts together. Not for me!!! If and when I go for a jog, the best part of it for me is when I stop. But if you throw a soccer ball on the pitch I’ll run up and down the field all day. I like the competitive factor. Most of my fitness choices were based on being able to compete against others.
I guess you could say that weight training is my form of jogging. I find it very relaxing and it gives me a chance to be alone with my thoughts. The feelng of accomplishment after a good session of hitting the weights keeps me coming back. But I know it’s not for everyone. While I believe that everybody should engage in some form of resistance training, the gym isn’t for everyone. I have seen way too many people sign up for a year at a gym and only end up going a handful of times. It isn’t just the activity but also the environment that plays a key factor in long term success. To be honest I’ve never been a big fan of gyms. Having to wait for a machine, people who don’t clean up after themselves and the endless chatter are just a few of the things that turn me away from them.
It was clear to me very quickly that if I were going to stick to weight training I’d have to figure out a solution. I went out and picked up a weight bench and some free weights. With my weigths in my room I had no excuse not to train. Generally I like to multi-task, so training at home gave me the chance to work on something or watch tv while I trained. I still do that to this day. Having my own studio helps too! I’m writing this article while I’m going through my shoulder routine. By identifying the things that will keep your mind in it you’ll increase the likelyhood of continual success.
Don’t just do an exercise to do it. Find out what it is that keeps you engaged both mentally and physically. Having a good variety also does wonders. Get out and take that dance class you always talk about, join that soccer league, try a new class at the gym or go for a hike in Tremblant!!! Besides being good for the mind it forces your body to use other muscles that you wouldn’t usually incorporate doing one type of exercise.
As for which specific exercises I find are the best….that will have to wait for another article! For now the best exercies are the ones that you enjoy doing! So keep in mind not only what exercises to do but also think about the environment you train in. I can assure you that if you enjoy the activity and the space where you train, you’ll be in for a lifetime of fitness.
Mike
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