So this was going to be an Instagram rant, but I decided to save it for a full out blog post. Lucky you 😛
The other day I posted this pic on SnapChat, and at first it was just a typical Snap with a typical caption….
(That was most certainly taken before my sweaty-mess workout, ha)
But, then I started thinking - why did I feel the need to include the caveat “shameless?”
It didn’t take long for me to realize that the reason was because cardio isn’t exactly an IT form of exercise right now. In fact, lately it’s become some sort of joke like, oh - you still do cardio bro? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say that when I tell them I love SoulCycle.
Listen - I get it. I know that more research is showing long bouts of cardio aren’t as necessary for health/weight loss/etc. as once thought. I know that weight training is better for X, Y, and Z reasons. And yes, I still make it a point to implement strength training into my exercise routine.
But…why all the hate? The funny thing is I see most of the judginess happening within the “FitFam.” And it’s not just against cardio. I’ve seen people bash every form of exercise under the sun. Strange, isn’t it, to be negative about something that relates to people trying to better themselves…
Bottom line - the best workout you can do it the one you’ll KEEP doing. And that most likely means that it’s one you’ll genuinely love and enjoy doing.
So if that’s running, run.
If it’s lifting heavy things, lift heavy things.
If it’s Yoga, do Yoga.
If it’s Crossfit, cross that fit.
…and so on.
I’m saying this coming from a place of genuinely loving exercise for the first time in over 10 years, and that makes me SO happy and excited. I’ve learned that I’m the type of person that connects to the mental/emotional benefits of exercise way more than the health/physical benefits, and that’s okay too. Who knows what different forms of exercise that will lead me to love throughout my life, but for now if that is cardio, I’m perfectly okay with that.
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What are your thoughts on this? What form of exercise do you connect with most, and why?
Great post! I don’t think a workout can go ”out of fashion” especially cardio that will always be good for your heart and makes you feel good.
http://sarawritesadiary.blogspot.com/
I love cardio. Specifically, when I have a good book and I can read on the elliptical/bike. Fitness classes used to be my jam, but I can’t afford them. Still, I just love me some sweaty cardio. I can do weights like once a week and I get bored. Just not for me right now!
Yes, fitness classes are not cheap haha. I somehow managed to get addicted though 😛
Workouts always fall into the trendy trap! I love my spin classes even when I get looked at funny because spin is so last year. You keep doing your cardio!
I totally agree with you.. If you are getting in some movement with the intention of taking care of your body and mind, all exercise is good! Right now I’m loving low impact exercise like yoga and barre, along with walking! I used to overdo exercise a bit and really wanted to prove to myself that I could pull back and be ok! I’m feeling better than I ever have 🙂
Walking is still one of my favorite forms of exercise - sometimes I walk for an hour around the city just for the fun of it! Highly underrated 😉
I was a personal trainer, once upon a time. I always encouraged balance, but it ends up the best exercise you can do is the one that you don’t quit. Love this post!
I so agree, in fact, I wrote a very similar post a few weeks back about this. It drives me crazy, especially when I see other fitness professionals putting down other forms of exercise. Why can’t we ALL be happy for each other on our own fitness journey’s whether we’re cardio queens, physique competitors, yogis, barre babes, cross fitters, or runners.
Being fit should never be wrong. Period.
http://www.thebexfactor.com/2015/05/13/being-fit-should-never-be-wrong/
“Being fit should never be wrong. Period.” <--- amen! Reading your post now! <3
I was doing a lot of yoga; it was genuinely the one hour of that day where there were no phones no tv. I started feeling very unrealxed and am taking a little yoga break. Living in the Northeast I try to take advantage of the summer and outdoor exercise while I can, too, before it snows for 6 months.
This is so true. I feel like I go through phases with working out.. sometimes I like to lift heavy, sometimes I only want to do cardio. I LOVE spinning although I can honestly say that it does not help me lose weight for some reason. But I continue to do it here and there because I like doing it. Cardio also gives me that post exercise high that I can’t seem to achieve with heavy lifting. There is a time and a place for everything 🙂
Agreed - i am ALL about that post exercise high!!
Good for you for acknowledging that you were feeling “unrelaxed” - that’s such a good way of putting it. I get that way with exercise sometimes too, and I almost force myself to take a break because I know that it should never feel that way!
Since I’m a director of Group Fitness, I legit connect well with so many forms of exercise. The first I ever connected with was Zumba. Then I added in some rowing, and some elliptical. Then I tried running. And boy, did I run. (To the tune of like 6 or 7 half marathons, 2 fulls, and I paced a few ultras.) Then I picked up some weights and started doing that mixed in with my cardio, and I think I’ve found my happy medium. Cardio and some other stuff when I feel like it!
“Cross that fit” = You’re cooler than I already thought G.
I love exercise! All forms of exercise! 😀 I like to go on runs around the lake, but I also like the burning “help me, I’m dying” feeling of body weight strength exercises. I exercise for that ‘high’ feeling you get from endorphins. I don’t really care how I get it. Ha. There are always so many trends regarding exercise and nutrition. I’ve learned to do what makes me feel good and ignore everything
everyoneelse 🙂