Blog: The Evolution of the Fitness Industry

Things have changed from the beginning of the gym phenomenon in the early 1950's. Fitness centers were looked at as a place only body builders went. Up until Arnold Schwarzenegger made body building more mainstream, lifting weights was very foreign for most people.

In the last twenty years, fitness has become a necessity if you want to be a strong and healthy person. What was foreign to most is now an industry with so many options available it is quite confusing to figure out what you should do to get the results you are looking for. There are so many options to choose from! Everything from your big commercial gyms like 24 Hour Fitness and Gold's Gym with free weights, classes such as cardio kickboxing, Zumba, Spinning, to mom and pop facilities to yoga and Pilates studios.

Oh, and don't forget the new fitness facilities we are now seeing popping up that have a fusion of Pilates, Spin and TRX. So what does a person do? Not to mention these facilities can get a bit pricey.

Let's simplify things a bit shall we? If you are looking to increase your overall fitness level, there are five essential exercises that you should be performing several times a week: your basic squat, deadlift, push-ups, pull-ups and core work. If you work on using your own body weight to perfect your forms and keep your posture correct along with varying your core exercises, you will be in great shape. By working on these five essential exercises you will be on your way to a more fit and healthy life. Learn more about the 5 Essential Exercises.

Remember that the fitness industry is continually working on coming up with new gimmicks and "toys" to sell to you to try to convince you this is your answer to loosing weight and getting fit. There is no secret or magic pill that will help you get fit. It is about making fitness and health a priority in your life.

Don't make it confusing! Eat clean foods, watch your portions sizes, work on these 5 elements of fitness and you will be on your way. Working with a certified personal trainer and getting a body assessment can go a long way to guide you in the right direction to start you off on the right foot.

If you are looking to change up your workouts there are many varieties of these exercise you can do to increase your fitness level. When performing these exercises it is critical to have proper form and posture to avoid injury. This is another reason to work with a certified personal trainer. They will make sure you are doing proper forms to maximize your results as well as avoid injury.

Remember don't complicate things, it will only frustrate you. Keep consistent and determined and your hard work WILL pay off. Be healthy, be happy!

5 Essential Must Do Exercises to Any Routine!

Jessica Unbewust
co-owner
ferrum fitness