The best type of exercise for your overall health

This blog post is not about the many benefits of physical activity. Indeed, I believe many of us already know those benefits, but that does not mean we all exercise. This post is also not going to give you ONE single exercise that is best for your overall health—because that is simply not useful.

Incorporating physical activity into your life can be tricky, particularly if you do not enjoy exercise or have a sedentary job. It may even sound impossible or unappealing to some, but believe me, it may be easier than you think. This blog post will show you how.

SPOILER: The secret is to find an activity that is suited to YOU in order to make exercise an enjoyable part of your everyday life.

REMEMBER: The best exercise is the one you are most likely to do.

→ Follow the tips and tricks below to get moving regularly.

Discover the Lesser-Known Benefits of Exercise for Overall Health

Beyond its evident impact on physical health, exercise plays a pivotal role in reducing stress, enhancing energy levels, elevating mood, promoting better sleep, and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. The multifaceted positive effects make exercise a uniquely valuable investment in your overall well-being—it’s a self-care practice that can significantly enhance various aspects of your life.

Here are 6 tools that you can use to start implementing exercise into your routine today:

1. What Physical Activity Suits YOU?

You have to be the one choosing the activity. No one can force you to exercise—at least not if you want to do it long-term.

It needs to match your life, goals, values, and finances. How much time do you have? Do you have access to equipment or a gym? Do you prefer group workouts? Do you like quick and intense workouts? Do you prefer to listen to a podcast and take some time for yourself at a slower pace?

All of these factors depend on your preferences and are crucial when choosing your activity.

2. Know Your ‘Why?’

What are you hoping to accomplish by starting to exercise?

Increasing your strength?
Building muscle?
Losing fat?
Just looking good?
Losing weight?
Improving flexibility?
Improving cardiovascular health?
Decreasing fear and improving confidence after an injury?
Improving your mental health?
Decreasing stress levels or symptoms of anxiety or depression?

Toolkit: The Art of Overcommunicating

When you find your "why," repeat "why?" seven times. For example:

"I want to look good."Why? I want to feel confident in my own body.Why? … (continue digging deeper).

3. Are You Ready to Change?

Incorporating new habits or breaking old ones is challenging—even when we know the changes will benefit our quality of life.

Reflecting on and having a clear understanding of what you are trying to accomplish will drastically affect not only your choice of exercise but also key variables such as frequency, intensity, volume, and rest.

4. It Does Not Need to Be All or Nothing

Sometimes, less is more! Two exercises that get done are better than six that don’t. You can always add more later.

5. Choose an Activity That Is Meaningful to YOU

If possible, choose an activity that you love. It should bring you joy, be fun, and feel exciting to you.

6. Keep It Simple

If an activity is too complex, it can seem daunting, and you may quickly be discouraged from engaging with it.

What is the best type of exercise for your overall health and fitness?