How Do You Exercise?

What does your routine look like? Are you still doing a strength training routine from the '70s? Aerobics? Nautilaus? Do you have a game plan?

The way the exercise industry has evolved you will probably see more and more people doing kettlebell training, rope training, or interval cardio routines more than the routines mentioned above at your local gym.

However, training in the 21st century still hasn't taken off and looking around a gym these days you could be easily mistaken that we are still in the '70s. Zumba is the new aerobics and will sure to be on the scrap heap of fitness trends in the coming years. Exercise DVDs are still a money maker but how many people actually use them regularly? 10% maybe. Pilates still has a following, Curves has almost vanished, and the $9/month gym can be found in any town in the United States.

I believe this leaves the exerciser with a confusing array of choices (similar to nutrition, but that's a topic for a different day). A variation of choices doesn't always lead to the best results. In order to build a proper fitness routine answer the following questions and the execute your plan:

1. Whatever I do am I going to make this a lifelong lifestyle change or just another failed attempt at change? If you want this to be a lifelong change, then hire someone that knows what they are doing or enlist someone else's help holding you accountable.

2. Do I have limitations (injuries, etc) that will hinder progress? This is why exercise DVDs may not be the best solution. They are jammed packed with over zealous trainers teaching you a cookie-cutter program. Again seek out a professional in order to develop a program that helps your limitations not one that makes your injuries worse.

3. I'm motivated and love to exercise. Indulge yourself in the world of exercise science. Learn about movement, not just lifting weights. Indulge in interval training rather than steady state aerobics. Get your butt on a foam roller and start creating healthy tissue. Learn why a dynamic warmup is much better than a 20 minute run or ellicptical session before your strength routine. Stretch after your workout. And for heaven's sake do your interval conditioning after your workout!

Be honest with yourself and enjoy the results : )