Here’s a little task for you to try. Google the word “workout” and see what happens. Actually, I just did the work for you, and this is what came up: 7,930,000,000 results. That is beyond comprehension, right?
If you go on any social media and search the same word again, you’ll likely get similar results. That’s a lot to take in. I am sure some of these are great workouts. But there are also numerous questionable workouts as well. How do you know which one(s) to do?
When we think of the human body, several points are quite certain. Our bodies, to get stronger, more fit, etc, need stressors placed upon them. Furthermore, they need to be specific to what we are trying to achieve (think SAID Principle - specific adaptations to imposed demands).
We are all for physical activity - something is almost always better than nothing. BUT if you have goals of any kind, you need a program that supports your ambitions, health and exercise history, and interests. After all, if you don’t enjoy it to some extent, you most likely won’t stick to the program. And while those random workouts you find on IG may seem fun and enticing, they are not going to get you where you need to go.
So how do you determine if a program is good for you?
It accounts for your goals and needs. For example, if you have had an injury that prevents you from jumping, a HIIT program that is high impact would not be conducive to your success.
It covers all the main muscle groups. Maybe not in a single session, but spread throughout the week. This also ties back into what your goals and needs are. If you are looking for a routine for aesthetic purposes (think body building, for example), full body workouts would not be ideal, and you’d focus on specific muscle groups each day throughout the week instead.
It progresses, or allows you to progress over time. You should be able to lift heavier weights as you move through the program and also feel stronger.
It uses functional exercises. While we aren’t condemning tuck jumps, 180 degree jump squats, or doing every exercise with a mini band around your legs, these exercises may actually do you more harm than good. And they are often taxing your cardiorespiratory system more than your muscles. Remember, you don't need to be dripping in sweat for it to be a good workout. The main exercise movements of squat, hinge, push, pull, lunge, and carry (and we like to add core into the mix) are all valid movement patterns that have stood the test of time in exercise science.
You feel comfortably uncomfortable. You should feel challenged by the routine, but you should also feel safe in completing it. The workouts shouldn't be so novel that you are sore after every workout.
The Takeaway
A good program should challenge you and change you for the better. It should make sense, make you comfortably uncomfortable, and progress over time. Random workouts you search online may get your heart rate up and challenge you for the duration of the workout, but they will only get you so far. A progressing program will allow you to reach those goals of yours. And sometimes these programs come at a price, but investing in your greatest wealth, your health and fitness, is worth it, right?
And yes, we do offer virtual personal training where we do the periodization and progression for you, and also virtual programming if you want the programming without being guided through your workouts. Why choose us?
1. All of our coaches are certified personal trainers with 5+ years in the industry, have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a health/exercise-related field, and practice what they preach!
2. Our workout routines meet all of the standards we listed above for what a good program should have, plus we account specifically for YOUR needs, including your exercise and health history and equipment on hand.
3. A variety of options! With programs as low as $49, we fit most budgets while still providing outstanding service to you and your goals.
Get on our virtual training waitlist here.
Do you have an exercise program? Sound off below!
Jessica Corkin is the Virtual Fitness Manager at Begin Within. She holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and has spent the last eight years working in the fitness and wellness industry. When she is not virtually training clients, she enjoys strength training, running, being outdoors, and spending quality time with her husband and dog. Connect with her here.
Get our free Stay at Home Workout Guide (that has 3 FREE workouts included) here.
Comments