Health & Fitness
This article is from the WebMD Feature Archive
Find the Best Workout for You
You know you ought to start exercising. But what if, like so many people, you just hate the gym or are short on time and motivation? Or maybe you're so far out of shape that you don't know where to start?
There is hope, experts say. All you have to do is focus on exercising in a way that suits your personality, lifestyle, and fitness level.
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"It all has to do with what people are going to stick with," says Lisa De Los Santos, a Cooper Institute-certified personal trainer based in San Antonio, Texas. "And what they're going to stick with is what they'll enjoy most."
Wondering which direction to take? Here are tips from De Los Santos and other experts.
If You Can't Stand the Gym
Never fear. You can still get in shape, because movement -- the very thing needed for increased fitness -- can take place anywhere.
"Take a walk, ride a bike, or go for a hike," Scott Lucett, director of education for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, tells WebMD. "Or, perform an exercise routine outdoors at a park using your own body weight." Ideas include pushups, squats, squat jumps, crunches, and "planks."
Also, consider outdoor group classes. They're taking place at parks all over the country, even during winter, and many invite children and babies to join in. If classes aren't your style, look into an adult recreational league. They're in every city, and cover sports from soccer to Ultimate Frisbee.
If You're Seriously Out of Shape
Cedric Bryant, chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, tells WebMD that people who haven't exercised in a long time should take it slow, while looking for activities that will give them a more active lifestyle.
"Exergames like Wii Fit are a good way to take someone who's a couch potato and give them a little exercise," Bryant says. "By doing something that might be a bit more fun, you might be able to sneak in a little dose of exercise. And, the intensity tends to be low or moderate."
Look for simple opportunities to move during your daily routine. "Wear a pedometer and make it a goal to take more and more steps each day, with the goal of getting up to 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day," Bryant says.
Lucett suggests beginners start with 10-minute walks – five minutes out and five minutes back – then gradually increase that by two or three minutes each week.
"The next thing you know, you'll be walking 30 minutes a day," Lucett says. He says, however, that people in this category should get a release from their doctor before beginning any exercise program.
If You're Social
Group activities may be your best way to get into shape. Groups allow social butterflies to be around lots of people and enjoy camaraderie, while also getting fit. Dancing is one of the most popular group activities. Others, like spinning, can be too intense for socializing, Bryant says.
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