Why are we puttingourselves into workout boxes?
Something I have noticed in the fitness community is that there is a decent amount of people who like to put themselves (and others) into boxes.
There are the “muscle mommies” who almost exclusively lift weights, “cardio bunnies” who spend all of their time doing cardio, and “Pilates princesses” who only do workouts like Pilates. While this is all fine when it is used in good fun, I have seen a lot of unhelpful advice when it comes to which workouts people should be doing.
And you guessed it: oftentimes, these workout “recommendations” are a way to get someone to buy a program that focuses exclusively on providing a single category of workouts.
But what do the guidelines say? Our current guidelines recommend 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, along with at least 3 days of weight-bearing exercise per week. These guidelines weren’t created arbitrarily, and here is why:
- Aerobic exercise: the hatred of cardio needs to stop. Cardio is important AND an essential part of a healthy exercise regimen. It keeps our hearts healthy, and it has other benefits, such as blood sugar regulation, cholesterol management, and mental health benefits!
- Weights/Strength Training: building muscle also has a slew of health benefits. Lifting weights regularly can improve metabolism, improve bone health, lower risk of developing chronic conditions, and even reduce mortality according to one study.
- Pilates: while I would categorize this as a mix of both of the former categories, there are additional benefits to Pilates. Pilates can improve flexibility and posture, help prevent injuries, and lead to an increasing sense of mindfulness.
So next time someone tells you that the type of exercise you are doing is “wrong”…RUN! Next time someone tries to sell you a training program but they have no interest in promoting a diverse range of movement…also run.
And the bottom line is: any movement is better than no movement. You should do what you ENJOY - that’s what leads to lifelong habits. And ideally, you should work toward incorporating all three categories of exercise!
In the fitness world, it's common to feel pressured to fit into specific categories like 'muscle mommies' or 'cardio bunnies.' However, this article emphasizes that categorizing workouts can limit our exercise possibilities. According to health guidelines, a balanced routine includes at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly and strength training on three days. Cardio is vital for heart health, while weight training enhances metabolism and bone health. Pilates combines flexibility and mindfulness, making it an essential part of a well-rounded routine. It's crucial to reject the notion that there’s a 'wrong' way to exercise and instead prioritize what you enjoy. Any movement is beneficial, and incorporating variety can sustain lifelong fitness habits. By breaking these fitness boxes, you promote a healthier lifestyle and personal satisfaction in your workouts.
