To Do or Not To Do-That is the Question

Decisions, Decisions

Thanks to the internet, exercise, diet and fitness information is so accessible.  I love the commercials where the people are asked a simple question and they ramble on and on because they are overloaded by all the browsing information.  Sometimes when you look for answers it can be very overwhelming.  An intelligent exerciser is always asking questions and using that information to improve their workouts and their performance.  The problem is that there are so many opinions and answers as to what is the “best” exercise or workout that it can be very confusing.  If you search long enough you could find any data that supports either side of an exercise theory or debate.  How can you make good decisions when it comes to your health? 

• Consult with QUALIFIED professionals.  Make sure the person you contact is giving you recommendations within their “Scope of Practice.”  Many can make recommendations or share personal stories but they may not be applicable to you or their expertise.
• Read information from reputable resources.  Be careful of popular magazines that want to promote the latest “trend” or make promises of a skinny body in 5 minutes.   Remember-Check the source of the information to see if they are qualified to know what they are talking about.
• Keep up on the latest fitness information.  That is a hard one because the industry is ever - changing.  As science improves, the more we apply that information and evolve how we should train. If the information is too technical or confusing, use your qualified trainers to help you sort out information.
• When choosing an exercise or a workout, base your decisions by weighing out the pros and cons of why this certain program would be good for you.  Avoid hard edge judgments of saying this exercise is “right,” “never,” “best-way,” “contraindicated, “or “wrong.”  An exercise that is good for one person may not be for another.  There is no “One exercise program that fits all.” 
• Evaluate your exercise choices and make sure that the ones you choose will help you achieve the goals you have set.  Just because an exercise is good doesn't mean that it would be a good choice if it doesn't help you reach your goals.
• Weigh the risks of an exercise.  Even if the exercise is intense, fun, and challenging, you have to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Effective and safe exercises and programs should be based on an assessment of all the pros and cons of each exercise.  You should weigh the risk vs. the benefits and personalize it to what your goals and physical needs are.