50+ Lifestyles

Choose a Workout You ACTUALLY Like

…love and respect yourself enough to select an exercise regimen that delights you.

By Logan Anderson, BA, CPT, CIFT
Owner of All Strong Fitness LLC

If there were one motto, lesson, or saying I’d want to engrave on my gravestone, it would read, “do an exercise that brings you joy and stick with it.” Throughout my years as a fitness coach, I’ve encountered numerous individuals who perceive exercise as a rigid, one-size-fits-all program. A common misconception comes out that to be ‘fit,’ one must lace up their running shoes and hit the pavement. But what if running is a literal pain in your knees? Does that mean you’ll never be fit? Absolutely not.

When we contemplate the purpose of exercise, it boils down to being a scheduled session of playtime. This is my philosophy, and it has a simple core message: Exercise should be fun. Think back to recess during your elementary school days – weren’t you eagerly anticipating that break? I certainly was. I enjoyed playing kickball and football with my friends. However, it’s important to note that not everyone shared my enthusiasm. Some of my classmates preferred the playground, some strolled around, and others engaged in games like four square. Are any of these activities the ‘correct’ type of exercise? The answer is simple – they were right for the individual doing them. Just as I wouldn’t have liked a walk by myself, you shouldn’t subject yourself to exercises you don’t like.

During the phases of my life when I found exercise most enjoyable, I granted myself the freedom to do whatever I wanted. Some days, I felt like lifting heavy weights, while other days I will try new sports or indulge in a relaxing stretching session. Recently, I tried indoor rock climbing, and it was incredible. The more liberty you allow yourself in your fitness routines, the greater your enjoyment and adherence will be.

Now, this isn’t to suggest that I don’t have fitness goals I try to pursue. I aspire to enhance my appearance and strength. However, I view these as simple guiding posts. And I firmly believe that by embracing workouts I genuinely enjoy, achieving these goals becomes almost effortless.

It’s paramount to love and respect yourself enough to select an exercise regimen that delights you. The rewards from doing this are profound!

Logan Anderson is the owner of All Strong Fitness LLC. For more information, please visit allstrongfitness.org.