Best Form Of Exercise?

BOSTON -- One question that I am asked repeatedly about fitness is: "Which is the BEST form of exercise?? In my last article, I mentioned that there are approximately 18,789 books available on exercise, so obviously there is no shortage of information on this subject.

Many fitness experts will tell you that the best exercise is the one you will do. Well, there is some truth to that statement. No matter how wonderful a physical fitness routine is, if it isn't something you will do on a consistent basis, its benefits may not help improve the quality of your life or give you lasting benefits.

To put into action a plan that works, think of your body as an expensive automobile that needs to be taken care of in order to ensure longevity and service. Just as a well-tuned automobile needs fuel, oil and water to operate, your body functions best with a balance of each of the three components of exercise listed below:

1. Aerobic exercise -- sometimes referred to as cardiovascular or cardio respiratory conditioning. This is any exercise that increases your heart rate and makes your heart and lungs work. It makes you huff and puff.

2. Strength training -- exercises that challenge your muscles and bones, using your own body weight, free weights or equipment.

3. Flexibility and balance training -- exercises that help you improve your ease of movement and range of motion. These exercises also help prevent you from falling.

Hopefully this brief explanation will help set the stage for the choices you make when planning and setting up a physical fitness/exercise program for yourself this season. Remember that each component of exercise is important in its own way, and each will help enhance the quality of your life now and in the future.