According to one of my clients a workout isn't walking, yoga, or medicine ball training. A workout is weight lifting plain and simple. When I asked why, as I wondered how many other misguided people think this way, his answer was a not so surprising "I don't know."
What Is A Workout?
Any activity or movement that elevates your heart rate, burns calories, improves mood, boosts endurance, increases strength, improves flexibility, improves health, restores proper range of motion, boosts metabolism, and/or improves the function of your body.
What Activities Count As A Workout?
weight lifting, bodyweight strength training
resistance band training
medicine ball training
stretching, yoga & pilates
dance (everything from ballet to square dancing)
sports, martial arts, boxing, wrestling
cycling (road, mountain, bmx)
hiking, walking, running
kayaking, swimming, diving
aerobics dvd's
group fitness of any kind
roller blading, skateboarding
cheerleading & gymnastics
skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing
gardening, housework, horseback riding
physical therapy, alexander technique, felenkrais
The list could go on and on but you get the picture. Any activity or movement that is beneficial to your body and your health can be considered a workout. The type you choose depends on your goals and your lifestyle. There are individuals like Lance Armstrong who bike, run, and swim competitively. There are others who stay lean, fit, and healthy with daily yoga workouts. Others who are muscular and strong just from ballet dancing and people who have acheived a 100 pound weight loss with roller blading and walking.
How Do You Choose The Right Workout Activity?
First determine your goal. Second write down activities you really love that will help you reach your goal. Finally, devise a schedule so that you are participating in these activities almost daily and for a minimum of 20-30 minutes. Try to choose a combination of things that will provide variety and are both challenging and fun.
Check Out My Favorite Workout Schedule for Ideas
Sunday: 4 hour high elevation hike or 45 min. uphill speed walking
Monday: rest
Tuesday: 20 min. upper body bodyweight/medicine ball workout 20 min. yoga
Wednesday: 30 min. walk 10 min. stretching
Thursday: 20 min. leg workout 10 min. abs 10 min. stretching
Friday: 20 min. full body resistance band workout 10 min. stretching
Saturday: 50 min. yoga 30 min. playing in the park with kids or rock climbing
Get a 3 in 1 workout like Yoga Booty Ballet that inlcudes yoga, ballet, and glute training:
Or blast some calorie with the Everlast Freestanding Heavy Bag - Red / Black
