Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What type of training is best?

The type of training modalities that you or your trainer choose shouldn't be based on the exercises they use on "The Biggest Loser", or what Shaun T. uses on his Insanity workout, or even Jillian Michaels' "Shred" program.  They should be based on what is best for YOU.  That's why they call in Personal Training.

To be sure, there are great exercises in all of those programs, and they will work for many people.  But you also need to be aware of your own limitations.  Allow me to explain.  If you have had recurrent knee problems, then many leg exercises can be problematic, and finding one that works AND is comfortable can be a challenge.  So picking up a cookie cutter program to do may not work for you.

Or what if you are 100 pounds overweight (as I have been!  Well, actually...more).  Your body may not tolerate the same level of activity initially that someone with 20 pounds to lose might. 

The best exercise of all is the one you will do.  The program that has the best balance of exercises that work, both subtly and more overtly, and that you can and will do on a regular basis.  That said, incorporating some compound movement is helpful when tolerated well.  A squat with a bicep curl, or a walking lunges with an overhead press.  These will get your heart rate up into the training zone, and also give you the benefits of weight training/weight bearing exercise. 

Whatever you choose, be sure it is something you will stick with for the long haul, because ultimately, consistency is the key to your success.
Melissa

No comments:

Post a Comment