Exercising Outside the Box

Just Do IT

Exercise - bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness. - Merriam Webster

When it comes to physical activity, Nike's famous slogan was and still is pure genius. After all, how often do three words so completely and succinctly express a call to action. Just Do It, whatever that It may be, and it really could be many things.

Contrary to what some believe, the bodily exertion described by Merriam Webster doesn't have to take place in a gym or in a fitness class to be classified as exercise, it simply has to get our bodies moving at a duration, frequency, and intensity that positively impact our body systems. 

Hiking, biking, running, swimming, dancing, walking, rollerblading, canoeing, rock climbing, surfing, skiing, or rowing.  The list of possible ing activities goes on and on.

So what is the best activity?

Fortunately, there is no one best activity since the activity or activities we choose should reflect our interests, physical abilities, and short and long-term goals.

For example, a number of people I've worked with associate running with fitness, and so they start training for a 5K, which is fine as long as you enjoy running and your body and joints can handle the impact. But it certainly isn't the only option. What really matters is that the form of exercise you choose is enjoyable, practical, and sustainable, otherwise you'll find a thousand excuses not to do it, even though only one excuse is all it takes to derail the best intentions.   

Part of the health and wellness coaching process involves working closely with clients to develop a realistic fitness regimen that they can commit to, not simply for a finite period of time, but for a lifetime. A client's life commitments, availability, their injuries or other ailments, their starting physical fitness, their hobbies and interests, and their attitudes toward exercise in general are all considered when developing a plan of action.

Once an appropriate course has been charted, there's only one thing left to do, and that's IT. ​Just Do It. In this phase, coaches can be an ongoing source of support, motivation, and encouragement. 

Click here for tips on Starting an Exercise Program