What exercise is right for you? – Health and Wellness Nashville

The short and simple answer to that question is, any exercise is right! There is no one-size-fits-all regimen that works for everybody. Besides just finding what excites and motivates you, you may also have to consider what types of exercise would be truly right for your body type or constitution.

A holistic approach to fitness is especially important for it to be effective. Some people may want to jog a few miles each day because the goal inspires them. However, it may be best to start on exercises gentler on their specific body type – allowing them to eventually reach that point without overdoing it or becoming discouraged.

For others, it may be better to do yoga, jiu jitsu, walk, swim, spin or aerobics class. There are so many options! The thing to remember is, each person has different needs and limitations unique to them.

This is vital to sustain the very best fitness and health, as well as to manage realistic expectations of what you can achieve.

Start with what is specific, manageable, measurable, and achievable goals – and in the meantime, be assured that starting slowly with the appropriate exercises will open the door to many fresh possibilities!

What is your excuse?

If you find yourself making excuses not to exercise and move, you may not have found your exercise joy. Take notice of when you find yourself making excuses about your exercise routine. Some of your excuses may include:

I’m too tired
I have too many things to do, I don’t have time
I’m too old to start exercising
I’m not athletic and I’m overweight
I don’t have the right outfits or clothes to start exercising
Exercise is boring
The kids have homework

If you find yourself making excuses, look for ways to turn these excuses right around. For example, if one of your excuses is that exercise is boring, find activities you love to do. If the gym makes you feel confined to small spaces, try taking a walk in nature. If there isn’t a trail available to you, look for a track at your local high school. There are often many walkers on the track after school has let out for the day doing exactly what you’re looking to do.

If you find yourself saying that you’re too tired to move and exercise, go for shorter, lower impact intervals. This is a great way to motivate yourself and fit some exercise into your daily routine.

It’s true that our children oftentimes have a bountiful amount of homework in hand when they hit the door after a long day at school. Children, however, need a break too. Taking a fifteen-minute family break and playing tag or walking the family dog is a great way to spend time together as a family and get in some much-needed movement. Enjoy your time together and find creative ways to get your bodies moving.

Focus on what you love to do

If you dread going to the gym, most likely you won’t be able to maintain a gym membership and get the most value for your money, no matter how good it may be for you. On the other hand, if you love nature and being outdoors, hiking and playing tennis may be the exact exercise program you’re looking for. Design your life and build your exercise routine around the activities and places you love and enjoy.

The Bottom Line

Exercise and physical activity are essential to finding balance and optimal health. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each and every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised for quite some time, have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any other major health concerns.

Karina Hammer is a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, Co-Host of the Magnetic Heart Radio Show, Co-Founder of Nashville Integrative Health, wellness educator and author. Specializing in digestive and vocal health, Karina is committed to helping people find wholeness along their healing journey; utilizing a holistic approach to wellness that includes nutritional, emotional and spiritual modalities as a way to bring about balance in her clients’ lives.

www.karinahammer.com