All exercise programs are not created equal

April 13, 2006

I know I've blogged on this before but I think it's important to say it again .

I think it's high time everyone was told the truth about physical activity and the corresponding benefits they each impart to your person.

Over the years in talking to thousands of people about exercise I have come to the conclusion that the vast majority of us believe that so long as movement is part of the picture, all exercise is virtually the same thing.

What I mean by this is, whether you are doing Yoga or Pilates or walking or playing tennis, or jogging or Nia-ing, or rollerblading, or biking, or stepping, or spinning or trampolining, Tai-Bo-ing or

weight training

the results will be the same.

No they won't - not even close.

It's really quite unbelievable to me how many people are almost desperate for an exercise program that really works, makes them feel stronger, tighter, healthier something they can fit into their schedule and when handed the answer on a silver platter, reject it with vehemence when it does not fit their world view.

What is that world view?

That exercise should be and must be fun to do.

The fitness industry supports this falsehood almost everywhere you look.

Shame on them.

But truth be told, they have all kinds of adult Romper Room-esque things to sell. So what do we expect?

If you want real health benefits, benefits beyond the smallest fraction of what you can achieve with past time activities, you must engage in resistance training.

Take it or leave it folks. The truth is sometimes hard to hear and accept.

Perhaps it would help if I admitted that you don't have to do it my way, the SlowBurn way for it to be effective.

Perhaps not. But here's the kicker - if you wait too long to start a resistance training program you WILL sacrifice the benefits you could have.

Starting earlier say in your 40's will have greater and more profound effects on your overall health and body shape than if you start in your 60's. By then your hormones have already greatly decreased and you will not be able to achieve what you could have had you started earlier.

But it's still good to start anytime, even in your 80's!

We all have an hour a week. And that is really all you need, tops.

Even 30 minutes benefits you greatly.

Strength Training - It's the most potent physical medicine available.

Take it.

    

Archives