The purpose of exercise, in my opinion, should be to build fitness (strength, form, agility, energy and longevity). By focusing on these objectives when we talk of fitness, we effectively build a set of physical and mental assets that build a bridge to our happier and independent future.
Obviously, fitness means different things to different people, and no interpretation is definitive, but for me, it is all about the long game.
To achieve a balanced and effective fitness lifestyle requires consistent, planned and challenging exercise, a balanced diet, rest and intellectual stimulation. It also calls for an emotional connection with those around us and an optimistic attitude to dealing with the challenges of life.
In the physical realm, where training is central to building our fitness, how we train is just as important as how often we train and the exercises we undertake. If we choose to mechanically grind through exercise routines or undertake training programmes that are overly strenuous and thus unsustainable, we run the risk of creating more problems for ourselves in the medium and long run than solutions.
One way to ensure that our physical training works for and not against us is to combine exercises that challenge our brains as we as our bodies and which require planning and thought to deliver. I demonstrate this approach in the video above (which adds a twist to a walking lunge exercise). By taking a foundation exercise and adding to it, as in the video, we can raise our physical and intellectual game when working out, which is good for us mentally and physically, in the short and the long-term.
So combine and refine each exercise that is undertaken and build your fitness for today and tomorrow.
🤓💪👍