The cycle of what is in style is never ending, be it hem lines, cut of a suit, make-up, hair, shoes, food, music, diets and even exercise. The latest hot thing comes and goes, and if you wait long enough, it comes back.
Currently, with diet and exercise, we are in the “low carb, high intensity” phase of the cycle. The Paleo diet is all the rage. Basically it’s a newer version of the Atkin’s diet that was popular both in the ‘70s, then again the ‘90s. It’s got a new name and was tweaked just enough to make people think it’s new, different and better.
The high intensity exercise programs and facilities are also re-worked versions of a much older style of exercise. Old fashion calisthenics, like squat thrusts and squat presses, chip ups, push-ups, even straight leg sit-ups are a part of the every routine these days. The names of the programs are much fancier than calisthenics though, and the equipment looks a little different: kettle bells, bands, fancy sand bags and heavy ropes instead of plain dumbbells, but the principle of the workout is the same.
I find no fault with either of these trends in diet and fitness, but I do feel compelled to remind everyone that just because they are popular right now doesn’t mean these are the only way to better fitness and weight control. There are other options, and if these modes don’t appeal to you, know that it is OK to try something else.
Don’t believe me? Take a look around. Let’s compare two very popular \ TV shows that showcase activity: NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” and ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.”
The main focus of “Loser” is weight loss – viewers tune in to the program to see how the competitors accomplish this. What you see are brutal workouts with trainers screaming at their clients to the point of tears. The result: several contestants losing lots of weight and learning how to work out very hard.
Now, let’s take “Dancing.” Here, the contestants are trying to become the best dancers. Weight loss is not a goal; learning how to dance and practicing for hours till the contestants get it right is the focus. No dumbbells, no tire flipping, no kettle bell swings, some screaming (depending on the instructor). The result: several contestants lose lots of weight and learn how to dance and see that dancing is a wonderful form of exercise that can result in weight loss and increased fitness.
Wow. Ballroom dancing can accomplish the same thing as tire flipping and running up and down stairs till you drop? Who would have thought that?
The reality is that any combination of moving more and eating less will result in weight loss. Depending on your beginning level of fitness, very mild exercise, like walking, can improve your overall fitness level a great deal. A strength-training routine that is moderate and basic can increase your overall strength, balance and core stability as well, and increase your metabolism while helping you lose weight.
There is nothing wrong with doing high-intensity exercise, as long as you are: 1) in good enough shape to tolerate it without injury and 2) want to work out in this manner.
If you don’t like that style of working out, chances are you won’t stay with it. It’s sad, but most “Loser” contestants gain their weight back within a year or two. The main reason is they associate working out with the very uncomfortable, high intensity workouts during the show and over time cannot motivate themselves to go through that misery. On the other hand, many “Dancing” contestants that lost weight during the show have kept it off. They enjoy dancing and continue doing it and other moderate activity that is work, but not misery.
Choose the workout intensity that suits you, your needs and your personality. That is a much better formula for success than entering into something that you hate from the beginning.