Exercise is part of a healthy, happy life. While the benefits of moving our bodies are obvious, exercise also plays a key role in our emotional and cognitive health, as well as providing a framework to build community with others. Whether you have a big goal you want to build up to or simply want to improve your baseline health, there is a form of exercise for everyone. Let’s break down what finding the right exercise for you really means.

Different types of exercise

The human body is incredibly adaptable, so exercise can take different forms to accommodate these adaptations. These adaptations can generally be divided into two categories.

Aerobic exercise works your heart and cardiovascular system, improving your body’s ability to get oxygen to your muscles. This works your heart and lungs to pump blood through your body more efficiently. Think running, swimming, and biking. If you’ve ever been winded after walking up several flights of stairs, that was your cardiovascular system at work!

Resistance exercise, such as weight training and calisthenics, works your skeletal muscle system to build strength by moving against an external force, building muscle mass and power. If you’ve ever been sore the day after helping a friend move, congrats! You just did resistance training without even knowing it. 

There are other sub-groups, such as flexibility and mobility, and these are great to support other exercises and prevent injury. Depending on your goals, you can do one or all of these types of exercise, but generally speaking, balance is key!

Picking the right exercise for you

How we move our bodies is a very personal choice, and it can say a lot about who we are. For some, exercise is just something that they do to stay healthy, and for others, it’s a way of life. Neither is right nor wrong, but it depends on you and your goals. 

When picking the right exercise for you, start with these questions:

Do I enjoy it?

This one feels simple, but simple is key! If you enjoy something and look forward to it, you’re much more likely to stick with it.

Does it fit into my life?

This can be asked in a few different ways. Are there any costs to be considered? What barriers would I need to overcome every day to do this? Is it possible to do this every day? If the answer to these is no, try finding something that fits your lifestyle a little better, or save this exercise for specific days. 

Is there anyone I can do this with?

A huge part of success in working out is having someone to do it with. If you have someone to progress with and hold you accountable, you’re more likely to do whatever it is for longer. 

We hope this framework gives you guidance on finding a way to move your body that works for you! Exercise can be dangerous, and accidents happen. If they do, come into the El Mirage Emergency Room to help with any exercise-related injuries.