Finding Your Perfect Exercise Routine: Insights from Fitness Expert Tom Holland
As we navigate life post-pandemic, many people are reevaluating their fitness habits and routines. The last two years have drastically reshaped perceptions of physical and mental health, encouraging a shift toward more mindful living.
Exercise serves as a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health. It can help lower blood pressure, strengthen bones, and lessen the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, physical activity triggers the brain to release feel-good chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine, which enhance your mood, reduce stress, improve sleep, and sharpen your thinking.
With the rise of hybrid work models and the gradual reopening of gyms, now is an excellent opportunity to revamp outdated routines. Tom Holland, an exercise physiologist and fitness advisor for Bowflex, emphasizes this transformative moment in fitness as an ideal time to explore various exercise options, whether at home, outdoors, or in a gym.
Here are some practical strategies to help you kickstart your fitness journey:
1. Explore At-Home Workouts: Home workouts have become increasingly popular and can be just as effective as gym sessions. Consider using fitness apps like the JRNY digital fitness platform, which offers diverse classes such as strength training, yoga, and Pilates, helping you to easily incorporate new activities into your routine.
“Home fitness equipment has improved significantly, making it possible to achieve fantastic workouts without a gym membership,” notes Holland. “Modern technology, including wearables and connected machines, provides tailored fitness plans akin to those previously available only to elite athletes.”
For instance, versatile equipment like the Bowflex VeloCore Bike 22 allows users to enjoy cardiovascular exercise at home. With the JRNY app, you can take virtual tours or engage in trainer-led sessions while catching up on your favorite streaming shows.
2. Small Movements Matter: Even brief moments of activity are beneficial. If you spend your days seated, aim to stand frequently, take short walks, or do quick exercises like jumping jacks and bodyweight squats. These little bursts can help combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, particularly relevant for those working from home.
3. Embrace the Outdoors: Spending time outside can significantly enhance your well-being, helping to reduce stress and mental fatigue while boosting your mood.
“Consider setting a daily walking routine or engaging in an outdoor hobby to ensure you get ample fresh air,” suggests Holland. “If you’ve contemplated getting a pet, now might be the perfect opportunity, as they can motivate you to enjoy the outdoors more often!”
4. Make It a Social Event: Exercising doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. Engaging in activities with family or friends can forge stronger bonds while staying active. Sports like pickleball are easy to pick up and enjoyable for people of all ages and skill levels.
“My family has recently taken up pickleball, and we absolutely love it,” Holland shares. “If you’re apprehensive about your fitness level, consider warming up with exercises like bodyweight squats, skaters, and jumping jacks to prepare for the game.”
Conclusion: Finding the right exercise routine doesn’t have to be daunting. With various methods and technologies available, from home workouts to outdoor activities, the possibilities are endless. Embrace this opportunity to explore new fitness avenues, making exercise a fun and integrated part of your daily life. Whether you choose to work out alone or involve others, you’ll be taking a significant step toward improving your overall wellness. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so enjoy every moment of your fitness adventure!
