Do you exercise the same way you did 10, 20 or 30 years ago? Has your program evolved into something new? Maybe your program is constantly changing. Maybe your daily physical activity level has taken a steep dive. Maybe you are not even sure what you are capable of doing anymore. Check out the exercise and physical activity spectrum below to assess where you are now and where you would like to go.
Where are you on the exercise and physical activity spectrum?
Option 1A: You have never exercised or paid any attention to physical fitness.
Option 1: You no longer exercise but used to be quite active and competent in your physical abilities. Now you are not sure where you are in your fitness level and you are not sure where to start.
Option 2: You exercise sporadically, in bouts. You get really good at getting started but within a short time things peter out or you hurt yourself.
Option 3: You don’t engage in formal exercise but challenge yourself with the occasional or regular walk, hike or other outdoor activity. The intensity level is more than a stroll in the park.
Option 4: You exercise or move regularly, but switch things up often. You are flexible with the activity you do, and have a lot of options to choose from depending on the day and how you feel. You may work with a trainer that likes to switch things up on you.
Option 5: You exercise regularly and are doing pretty well at what you have always done. You are a clock that doesn’t stop ticking. You are routine to the core.
Things to consider depending on where you are on the spectrum of exercise and physical activity:
Wherever you are on the spectrum, the most important thing is that you decide that you are going to move. Sedentary activities often dominate our current lifestyles and even more so now.
Exercise and physical activity affects the health of not just our cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Metabolism, digestion, hormones, cognition and emotional health can all be impacted by a lack of movement in our daily lives.
Exercise programs that evolve according to your needs will more likely be meaningful and sustainable. If we do the exact same thing everyday, depending on the intensity, the cumulative stress to our bodies’ may result in a breaking down of systems versus the growth and maintenance that keep us functioning at our best.
Here’s my routine this week:
HIIT running plus stretches 2X
Knee and shoulder rehab 2X
Essentrics(stretch and strengthen no weight) 2X
High rep full body muscle endurance exercise class 1X
Moderate paced walk 2 times daily for 25 minutes to and from work
Ask me in 6 weeks and it will likely have evolved into something different. Actually, let’s commit to that and I will let you know.
Whatever your relationship is to physical activity, remain open minded as to what is and isn’t working for you. This way you will increase your success at keeping things going on a regular daily basis.
Stay tuned for ways to evaluate and evolve your current program.
Think NEAT(non-exercise activity thermogenesis)
Think DIPA (daily intentional physical activity)
Think EXERCISE
Think MOVEMENT
Then DO!