What is the right kind of exercise program?

For many, this is a hard question to answer due in large part to an overly increasing social media presence. We are constantly inundated with information from true Strength & Conditioning coaches to the everyday fitness influencer. With this, we are left with the confusion of “what is the right training program for me?” Many times, we feel our “right” choice is pressured by the influence of others, when in reality we need to take that information and figure out what works best for us. NOT them.

Consider thinking, what do I truly like doing? Is it HIIT classes, running, lifting weights, practicing yoga? Or, do I “like” and participate in these activities because a person or group of people I look up to or want to “look like” loves it and posts about it?

Can’t we simply love what we do and what makes US feel good?

Good news! We absolutely can! So, I challenge you first to figure out your “Why”. Why are you training? Why are you working out? If you are having a hard time with this, maybe you ask your friends and hear different perspectives. You might be shocked with what they say motivates them. For some people it is aesthetics, others it’s mental health more than physical appearance and that is OKAY!

Still struggling? Just take a second and relax, you are not alone. It is OKAY to be confused at times and it is OKAY to change your thoughts on fitness and training. From a hard-core athlete, to a weekend warrior, you can try them all and see where you land. If you don’t like running, then don’t run. Explore your options from HIIT to cycling, swimming, there are so many more. If you don’t like lifting heavy weights, that is OKAY, just make sure to incorporate strength training into your program in one way or another. Body weight training is a great start. Use the information you see as well as the coaches, trainers and peers around you to formulate a plan that fits your WHY.

Have you discovered your why? Great! Then let’s see what is next.

Figure out a plan and stick with it for 3-4 weeks, see how it works. Ask yourself, “do I like what I am doing, do these classes or training programs fire me up to be better and stronger or is it not working?” If you like it, stick with it. If you don’t, try something NEW.

Just because one plan works for your friend or family member, does not mean it will work for you. That is the best part of being YOU, you are a unique individual and you deserve a fitness program that is tailored to your needs. Let go of the pressures and don’t give up, you will discover your routine.

At the end of the day, consistency is ALWAYS better than perfection and when you find a fitness program that brings you joy and gets you out of bed in the morning, you have found your workout.

So I ask you this, what is the first step you are going to take towards your new fitness routine? What is YOUR WHY?