“THIS IS THE BEST WORKOUT”, or so claims article after article. New, flashy ways to “get fit quick” seem to pop up everywhere these days.
Techniques boasting to be the “best” overwhelm the internet so it can be confusing to know what to believe.
Even more, can there really be a “best” when dealing with a matter so subjective?
Let me elaborate. Some people flourish athletically in a class-type setting, where high energy levels and fun interactions abound. Conversely, the same conditions may overwhelm and distract another athlete. This could prevent him or her from achieving maximum workout potential.
Plus, if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you won’t fully commit. Then you need to factor in other specifics, as well. Details like schedule preferences, athletic interests, and local gym availabilities can help or hinder an exercise goal.
It really comes down to, not just the “best” workout according to trends, but the best workout for you, as an individual.
That brings us to the inspiration for today’s post series! I love to take part in a variety of physical activities and am open to trying new things. For that reason, I thought it helpful to do an objective review of common workouts and athletic classes!
For each activity in this series, I will give a description of the workout and explain a “typical” class. Then, I will list some points of why you may prefer this activity or want to choose another.
Hopefully, by the end of this post series, you will have some clarification and guidance. If you are struggling to find your niche in the seemingly confusing workout world, just getting started into fitness, have interest/questions about a certain workout routine, or just looking to add some “spice” to your current routine, keep reading!
I aim to help find the best workout for YOU. Let us start! First, click on a link below:
Orange Theory – Is It The Best Workout For You? (Part One)
Jazzercise – Is It The Best Workout For You? (Part Two)
Zumba – Is It The Best Workout For You? (Part Three)
Kick-Boxing – Is It The Best Workout For You? (Part Four)
I hope you enjoy this series! Leave a comment if there is a workout you have questions about or would like me to review.
As always, thanks for reading!
Here are some common definitions from the fitness world referenced throughout this blog series:
*Calisthenics refers to exercises completed without the use of any auxiliary weights. They are body-weight exercises, meaning the body’s own weight creates the resistance to strengthen and develop muscles. Gymnastics tumbling, chin-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, and squats are all examples of calisthenics.
*H.I.I.T. (high-intensity interval training) refers to an exercise regime consisting of short “bursts” of extreme energy output, followed by short “active-recovery” periods. The science behind HIIT is very intriguing to me (please excuse the nerdiness that is about to ensue). According to newer studies, pushing your heart rate to 70-90% of its maximum for short periods of time (e.g. sprinting) deprives your muscles of more oxygen than a longer period of less strenuous cardio (e.g. long distance running).
To compensate for this deprivation of oxygen, after finishing a workout, your body will continue to burn calories. In contrast, this is opposed to, for example, long-distance running, where, upon finishing the activity, your body stops burning energy. Studies have found HIIT increases metabolic rate and provides a more effective fat-burning workout while preserving muscle mass.
