Exercise Buffet

It seems to me that many people would exercise more if they had the motivation. The first thing a person should consider before starting an exercise program is identifying the purpose. Why do you want to exercise in the first place? Through this, what do you hope to achieve? More importantly, are your goals reasonable? Know your abilities as well as your limitations. Set a few goals that can be incrementally measured and document your progress. In addition to what you can see in the mirror, be mindful also of your increased energy levels throughout the day, more restful sleep, and improved confidence.

Once these fundamental components are figured out, it is time to design a workout plan. In planning, consider budget and availability. Is there access to a gym? How much time will be set aside each week? Consider the current fitness level and any pertinent physical or health conditions. It is advisable to check with a physician first if there are doubts. To monitor and evaluate progress, I find it helpful to keep a fitness journal to record my goals and track my improvements.  Notably, a successful fitness plan is personal, flexible, enjoyable and fun.

Personally, I do not enjoy the traditional abdominal exercises.  I eschew crunches, sit-ups, v-ups (basically, any exercise that ends in "ups"). I refuse to do anything that involves that padded "high chair" looking contraption. These have long been considered the standard repertoire for developing abdominal muscles, but I find them inefficient and incredibly boring. Instead, I view exercising as going to a buffet. Besides being things I both love, both activities offer a great deal of variety. I can pick and choose the things I want and pass on things I don't. The concept of individual choice is a powerful tool in strengthening one's intrinsic motivation and is vital for success.

I resolved my dilemma by researching compound exercises that target the core muscles in tandem with other muscles. Compound exercises resemble real-life situations more than isolation exercises, resulting in a more balanced and lean, athletic look. I wholeheartedly endorse compound exercises and they make up roughly 90% of my workouts. An added benefit of compound abdominal exercises is that I am developing my washboard abs with very little perceived effort.