What is the “Best” exercise?

How many times have you either asked or heard that question?

Isn’t that like asking someone what’s their favorite book, or movie? It all depends on the person.

There is no singular best exercise program because people are all different. So enjoy the ones you like and keep doing it. With exercise, variety is the spice of life. Regardless of what method, technique, or sport you choose, it will help to keep you physically fit.

That in turn, helps your metabolism, proper weight, and helps to prevent you from contracting major illness.

If you don’t like to exercise alone, find somebody to share your exercise with.

Do you have a walking buddy or a jogging partner? Have you ever participated in a group 5k or 10k?

The camaraderie can’t be beat. It’s a feeling that you’ve done something both fun and good together. It can be as basic as wanting somebody to join you at the gym.

Family members can also be your exercise buddies--with mothers and their children leading the way. Take the kids on a nature hike, put the baby in a stroller and go for a run, play baseball, walking on the treadmill, or even work out to a DVD together.

The family that plays together stays together! Parents are role models for their children. And teaching by doing is always the best example.

Do you have to share an exercise to enjoy it? No, but for some, it usually helps.

For me, exercise can be extremely enjoyable when done alone. Thoughts, reflections, breathing, and just enjoying the solitude are some of the great effects I feel when walking alone.

Although I usually exercise alone, once in a while, it’s great to be able to literally share your workout with another person. Isn’t that why some people blog about their fitness routines?

If you didn’t know it, September is America On the Move Month.

To jump start this month long focus on fitness, Iowa Avenue is hosting our very own Virtual 5K on Saturday and Sunday, August 30-31, 2008, and I'd like to invite you to participate. Even though the kick off event is America On the Move, you don't have to be from America to participate. Everyone is invited.

I created a group featured on the homepage with the Mr. Linky feature, so join for yourself, your family, your friends, or for your work-out buddy.

I’ve created a badge for this event so we can share our experiences with non-Iowa Avenue members.

For many children, school will have already started by August 30-31. Therefore, Iowa Avenue’s Virtual 5K is a perfect way for a classroom to get to know each other through their participation, and just as important, a way to kick off a year of healthy lifestyle education.

So plan now for the IA virtual 5K with your child or their teacher.

The 5K doesn’t need to be done as a group to be a shared event. In this case, because it’s virtual, that enables the sharing to be done virtually--so pictures, blogs, and even school papers are all great ways to share your experiences, using the pc.

As the phrase goes, “Sharing is caring,” so let’s prepare, because

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

© Iowa Avenue

Photo courtesy of soldiersmediacenter