Which Exercise is Best?

Steven Windley M.D.

Exercise is part of the optimal health prescription. We all need to move in some fashion. One of the biggest obstacles to exercise is just getting started. Patients will shrug their shoulders and say “I am just not doing much right now.” As I approach this topic, patients may ask my opinion on which exercise is the best. If a person is not moving, ANY exercise is better than doing nothing. Don’t get overwhelmed with details before you even start. I want patients to consider why they are not exercising and how best can they start and consistently keep going.

What are some obstacles keeping you from exercise? Time of day – when is best Expense Motivation Extreme fatigue Extreme fatigue may point to bigger issues such as chronic inflammation or hormone issues that need to be addressed. I ask patients “what appeals to you?” For example: do you want to work out with a partner? do you want to be solo or in a group? do you want to stay in your home or go to a gym? do you want or need specialized instruction to get started?

What ever the answers are to these questions, use them to help plan a program that can be started soon and maintained. High intensity exercise versus lower intensity options really doesn’t matter if you don’t make time to do either. I want patients to start with something they like to do and do it consistently. I don’t like to walk on a treadmill – unless I have my ipad and I can watch a movie. This helps the time fly. I only watch the movie on the treadmill, and that gets me wanting to go back for more exercise. I really don’t believe in a best exercise. We are all so unique, our needs will vary greatly. The best exercise is the one you will consistently do.