Quick Routine Reaches Fitness Goals
As a society, we measure other peoples capabilities to set a benchmark for ourselves. To get there, we feel we have to continuously push our bodies to the max so we receive ever-increasing gains. This can put a negative slant on the idea of getting fit. Therefore, we feel how difficult a gruelling workout teachers put us through really is and then picture the ongoing pain we'll experience as we strive for fitness... hours of punishment.
It's more than enough to destroy the dream all on its own. Then we stack other reasons on top... the time commitment fitting in our busy schedule, motivation, expense, and anything else we come up with... to crush the fitness goal.
For most, there's a desire to be fit and healthy. But achieving that level rarely happens. Although, do you really have to?
Because some define fitness differently
The definition depends on the person's ideal activity. Let's say you want to play hockey or football then your idea of fitness will be different to HIIT or CrossFit training and different again to Zumba or yoga classes. Fitness is actually very difficult to define when we use activities to set standards.
While you might be considered fit from a health and well-being standpoint, you might not consider yourself fit because you're not at the top of your game and you're not reaching your goals. You might not be able to last the full 70 minutes on the pitch. You cannot complete the HIIT level 2 session without becoming fatigued. Your body just isn't doing what you want.
Nevertheless, these marble fitness sculptures shouldn't determine your reality. While aspiration isn't a bad thing, simply being at a good level of fitness should be the standard. Your overall physical condition: Your ability to fulfil daily activities. Your ability to perform well in work and leisure activities. And emergency situations. All without getting sick or fatigued.
Naturally, this can be measured in different ways; from your strength and stamina, cardiovascular system, your speed and power to your blood pressure and blood tests. Even being able to complete your day to day activities is a measurement of your fitness.
The Fitness Mix to Reach Goals
Typically, fitness is achieved through a mix of good nutrition, physical exercise, and rest and recovery techniques.
In fact, when it comes to physical exercise, doctors suggest "something is better than nothing". For a long time, we've been told to "do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or brisk walking every week". And yet, one the whole, we couldn't meet the requirement.
Then some smart scientists found that you can gain most health benefits in just twenty minutes of exercise. However, in some cases, like high-intensity interval training just 6 minutes is enough. So, the advice adjusted to include an optional "75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity" or a combination of the two.
Finally, as you'll be aware, weight training has become increasingly popular. More and more women are attacking the free weights and completing strength training session. Besides this, you can use resistance bands or your own body weight to strengthen your muscles. It's understood that this type of training helps us to sustain muscle and bone mass as well as regulating blood sugar and fats and pressure. With this intention, strength exercises have also been added on top of our required weekly routine.
Today, we have greater options for exercise. No longer do we have to stick to the 45-60 minute class. Alternatively, research is beginning to prove short workouts throughout the day can be as effective as longer sessions. A "quicky" slotted into your day here and there can be enough for you to see the health benefits.[1,2,3]
With that in mind, multiple short workouts seem achievable and easier to fit into a busy schedule. It could be a good five minutes high-intensity or strength training. It could be a short 15 to 20 minutes session or a 30 to 40 minutes walk to break up your day.