We all know that we need to exercise to stay healthy. The benefits of good, regular exercise are numerous and well demonstrated.
But how do you know which type of exercise is best for YOU (and we mean YOU!)? Some of us like to get up and take that run at 4:30 a.m., but to many of us that sounds like torture. Some of us like water exercise, but some would rather leave that to the fishes. How can you find the right fit?
For this blog, let’s just start with some basic questions you should ask yourself:
What are my physical limitations? If you’ve got hip or knee pain, jogging and running outdoors may not be right for you. Likewise, if you hate being exposed to cold or hot temperatures (unless you live in a magical place where it’s 72 degrees, 24/7). If you suffer from dizzy spells, hiking or biking might be out. The best way to determine this is to speak with your family doctor, review your health history and ask about what your limitations might be.
Do I want to exercise with others or on my own? Many people enjoy sweating it out with friends and even complete strangers. Other folks detest the idea of having a gang seeing them in such a state and prefer to do this in private. Some actually enjoy a combination of both. Determine your “social exercise” preference. Consider joining a health club if you like to be with others, and plan for more exclusive space in your home if you like to do this alone.
How can I fit this into my schedule? Saying that you’re going to get 30 minutes of exercise, five days each week is fine, but how are you actually going to adhere to that. Make a specific plan. You know, like: I’m going to hit the recumbent bike for 30 minutes this Monday at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday at 5 p.m. (because I’ve got that budget meeting until 4 o’clock that day) and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Realize that the plan can change, but make a plan.
As your healthcare professionals we’re concerned about your wellbeing. Exercise is important. Use these tips, and many others to find the right type of exercise for you.