Exercise is good for the body (duh)
But it’s also good for the mind and soul
Clarity, presence, focus, seeing a goal through – not even mentioning the psychological benefits of looking good and feeling even better, it’s a confidence boost.
It’s a lifestyle too, not just a once in a while thing. If you workout once a week, chances are you won’t see results.
But an hour or so each day? Over the course of a year or two or ten or twenty?
Now we are talking: regular exercise leads to big health and well being improvements
Working out everyday? You’re kidding…
The thing is, we’re not talking about setting PR’s everyday or going as hard as you can each day
Some days can be active recovery days, keeping it light, keeping the body moving, the blood pumping – like a walk, or a yoga flow
These active recovery days are important because it allows the body to recoup and recover.
When to take these active recovery days? It’s more of an art than a science. Some people say every other day, others once per week, and few when they need it.
I like taking active recovery days when needed. There will be some trial and error here but over time you’ll start to be able to feel your body out. (i’ve been working out since January 1st, 2016 – a new years goal that I actually stuck with and it’s been life changing)
Some of my favorite ways to exercise – really comes down to the best way to exercise as a human and I think that can get broken down into four categories:
- Mobility
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Cardio
Now these don’t have to be an even split. Someone just starting out may want to be heavy on strength and cardio to lose weight
While another person may be focused on mobility and flexibility because they have shoulder or low back pain.
It’s important to realize too, that most overweight people will have some tight areas in their body, so what’s the best way for them to start?
That’s for you to figure out, because I can give you all the information but if you don’t actually DO it, no results are going to come.
START SMALL. The last thing you want to do is do too much too soon and get injured and start worse off than you did before, slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
My favorites for each section:
- Mobility: deep squat and hanging from a bar
- Flexibility: yoga
- Strength: calisthenics and weights
- Cardio: running, hiking, biking
Do your thing and remember it’s a long game: Years in the making not days…
I mean really, the weight didn’t get there overnight, it’s been slowly building up over the years. Maybe you gained 2 pounds per month and after three years, that’s an extra 70 pounds…
Here’s a dirty little secret: Fit people tend to have more self confidence. Call it discrimination but fit people are more attractive, which leads to better dating, maybe more opportunity… it’s gaining the system just by being more attractive – and anyone can be more attractive if they work on their bodies. It shows and speaks without using words. “This person is a type of person who cares about themselves they look good, they put in the work”
Being healthy and fit really does change how other people view you – whether you like it or not its reality.
The long game wins every time.
Joe DiAndrea 