Healthy Living > Physical Fitness > Right Workout

Many people find a traditional gym, with treadmills, bikes, weight training equipment, and the like, a convenient option for their daily fitness requirements. There are literally thousands of ways to fulfill your fitness needs, and below you will find some great alternatives. First, however, a short and sweet lesson in the two most dominant types of workouts:

An aerobic workout is one that increases the heart rate and rate of respiration. This is often the most effective workout for losing fat. An anaerobic workout consists of breaking down tissue in the body and repairing it in a series of coordinated moves that makes the tissue stronger. This is typically the best way to build muscle mass. The best workouts provide a combination of the two.

Each of the following exercise techniques have been deemed useful by qualified professionals. As with any workout, make sure you are guided by a professional when you begin your regimen. Remember, be active 60 minutes a day for best results.

Pilates

Often less intense than traditional weight training or aerobic exercise, Pilates offers a unique combination of aerobic, anaerobic, and flexibility exercises through a series of coordinated movements. The goal of Pilates is to train your body to be more efficient with each movement. Nearly all health professionals agree that when practiced with a qualified professional, Pilates are an excellent type of training for anyone. If you prefer a serene workout that focuses the mind, Pilates may be for you.

Water Training

Though often associated with rehabilitation, everyone can benefit from the natural resistance that water provides during a workout. Whether you are seeking a full anaerobic workout or just going for a swim, water has been used for ages to produce an effective workout that you can employ today. One of the main benefits of this kind of workout is that it tends to be kind to your joints, like knees, ankles, and shoulders since your movements are quite literally more fluid.

Recreational Sports

There is a reason the athletes we see on television often have sculpted bodies: Playing sports is a great exercise for the body. The great thing about sport activities is that most consider them a fun way to bond while getting a great workout, and there are opportunities everywhere. A backyard game of volleyball or a trip to the nearest public tennis court often provides as much or more benefit that hours in a gym and can often be more pleasurable. If you’re having a hard time convincing a friend to take on the challenge with you, contact your local parks and recreation board to see what opportunities there are to get into shape while meeting new people. Most local clubs have introductory or amateur leagues if you aren’t feeling the competitive fire inside.

Everyday Opportunities

While certainly not an acceptable substitute for a strenuous workout, there are beneficial opportunities everywhere to make yourself more active every minute. Make an effort to walk or bike to local businesses once a week instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or just head to the mall instead of ordering that item online. When you are making yourself as active as possible, you are keeping your metabolism high and dramatically increasing your weight loss capability.

If you would like to share any of your favorite workouts, please contact us. Your question may just be the one to help someone else who has been looking for that perfect workout!

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and The Executive Office of the President’s Fitness Council.