You have heard it all: Yoga is good for back pain, swimming is the best weight loss workout, pump iron for strength, Tai Chi is the fountain of youth, running is for young people, spinning is a huge challenge, tennis improves balance, alertness and coordination, a Tae-Bo library is all you need to be fit, dancing as a form of exercise is the best, and on and on they go.
You have all these options and still do not know which way to go. “Do I try all of them and see which one fits me?” “Or should I remain a couch potato until it hits me?!”
Truth is, there are so many choices when it comes to choosing a fitness regimen. Pinpointing the one that is best for you can be daunting. There are dynamics to factor in: time, money, space, skill, safety, enjoyment, location, and other challenges and unique conditions to overcome, like medical impediments and pregnancy. You have help now, meet your best fitness program:
The best fitness program for you is the one that is designed to meet your needs no matter the challenges you face. After you carefully consider the dynamics of time and money, you need to ask yourself “What kind of fitness program would I like?” “Which one best meets my needs?” “Which one is easiest for me to stick with?” Follow these guidelines to answer these questions:
First, when you think of a fitness program, do not limit your vision to the gym with metal plates, barbells and dumbbells. Think out side the box: martial arts, tennis, golf, walking, mountain hike, kayaking, running and swimming. Okay, now how do you know which of these activities your body would respond to the most? The answer is in your blood. That’s right your blood type provides a guide to the type of physical activity you are most likely to benefit from.
- Blood Type A – are the gentle, noble athletes. They require calming, centering exercises like Yoga, Tai Chi, breathing exercises, walking, gardening, and singing.Blood Type B – are the soldiers, they excel at moderate physical exercises with mental balance like cycling, hiking, rock climbing, tennis, dancing, gymnastics, and swimming.
- Blood Type AB – are termed “assassins”, very versatile. They require combination exercises from Blood Types A and B. They are the cross training specialists. Engaging in calming exercises like painting (a picture that is!), Tai Chi, and sculpting is ideal for them. As well as including moderate exercises like tennis, swimming, and hiking in their regimen.
- Blood Type O – the Spartan warriors. They can take heavy blows, and dish out too! They thrive on intense, competitive workouts like running, aerobics, martial arts, boxing, rugby, and other contact sports.
Exercise IQ – True/False
- Sweating while working out shows that you are working hard.
- Working with machines is safer because they make you do it right every time.
- During exercise, pain is laziness leaving the body. Pain is a good sign.
- Yoga is good for back pains.
- Swimming is a great weight loss exercise.
Time of day to workout is next. Are you an early bird or you prefer evening workouts? Joining an early morning spin class is not a very good idea if you always need a cup of coffee to “resurrect” in the mornings! The class is more likely to bore you.
Are you a team player or a soloist? Is exercise a way to stay connected to friends and family, an opportunity to socialize? If so, you are inclined to group activities and gym classes. Is a group Yoga class your style or Yoga alone on the beach appeals to you more? If you like to train in secret like a Kung fu movie hero training in the woods to avenge the death of his family! Then you are more likely to stick to a regimen with solo-type workouts like running and swimming. Just make sure there is a lifeguard!
Are you self motivated or you need someone cheering you on while you exercise? Some people like structure and organization, others prefer to play by ear. An exercise class or program is a better option for the structured athlete, while pick up games at the local gym points to the care free person.
The Bottom Line
The design of a fitness program that best meets your need hinges on one key element: You. Your blood type, schedule, inclination, and enjoyment may all provide some direction in designing your best exercise regimen.
Exercise IQ Answers
- Sweating while working out shows that you are working hard.
Answer: False. Sweating is not indicative of exertion. It is merely a cooling mechanism of the body. Though some exercises like walking does not make you sweat as much, there is a considerable amount of exertion.
- Working with machines is safer because they make you do it right every time.
Answer: False. Machines do not guarantee form. Machines require proper adjustments and unless you are provided with guidance from an instructor or are familiar with the machine, there are more chances of making a mistake than getting it right. Comfortable use does not mean they are properly used.
- During exercise, pain is laziness leaving the body. Pain is a good sign.
Answer: False. Feeling pains while working out is a no no. Though there should be some considerable amount of soreness days after workouts, pain during exercise may mean you do not have proper form or already injured. Many injuries have been sustained on the no pain no gain premise.
- Yoga is good for back pains.
Answer: True. Yoga helps with only muscle-related back pains . It relaxes tight muscles with stretches and help strengthen core which prevents back pains from reoccurring. It will not help in other back pain cases, like a ruptured disc. It will make it worse. Beware!!
- Swimming is a great weight loss exercise.
Answer: False. Swimming provides a great workout for toning muscles and increasing lung capacity. It is regarded as the exercise for every muscle in the body. However, only those learning how to swim gain weight loss benefits, as they are new to the activity.
Long hours’ swim is required to feel any weight loss benefit. The weight lost from swimming is always often compensated by more food consumed from the heighten appetite it creates. A swimming regimen lasting for months is recommended so that the body gets used to the increased metabolic rate, and hunger generated is adjusted to.