20 Common Sense Exercise & Movement Guidelines

1. Do something you enjoy - Don't always expect to enjoy it.

2. See it as an investment in YOU, your health & pain levels - Do it for YOU not because you are told to.

3. Exercise is NOT just the gym, try to be active in lots of ways. Sport, hobbies or walk rather than take the escalator for example. 

4. See it as quality YOU time away from the phone/work/family.

5. The aim is not always to be fitter but to build confidence in your body and functionality. Fitness measures are a by-product. 

6. People who exercise regularly prioritise it, it does not need to be your main priority though.

7. Try to enjoy using your body - remember how good it can be or how it has made you feel previously. 

8. It is a journey and NOT a destination. The main aim is to keep going, not to achieve some level of fitness. 

9. Fitness comes in many formats - Don't let anyone tell you what you are doing is worthless or the RIGHT way.

10. Learn what makes you feel good or bad (type, duration, intensity) and adjust accordingly - Builds confidence (self-efficacy) in your ability to adjust.

11. Not every workout has to be the best ever. In fact not many are great.

12. Don't be afraid to ask for help if required.

13. Aim for 3 times per week. Sometimes 2 and sometimes 4. But over 4 weeks an average of 3. 

14. Get those around you to support and motivate you not hinder you. This is important. 

15. There is no minimal dose but look to build up intensity, frequency and duration.

16. Don't measure yourself against others fitness or health, they don't matter.

17. If you feel bad then do less, feel good do more.

18. Allow yourself adequate recovery and it's ok to miss or adapt a training session if you are busy or life is too stressful.

19. Try to use your strength at least once a week and try to get out of breath for a few minutes once a week. You need to maintain these. 

20. Be a positive influence on others and respect their own journey. 

These are from a business I follow called Cor-Kinetic and I wanted to share them with you. I always agree that there are many ways to the mountain top.

We all have our preferred method of training but the key is to be open minded enough to adapt to your clients needs, wants and goals.

With an overload of information and advice out there hopefully some of these resonate with you and help you make some common sense decisions when it comes to your own exercise, movement and health choices.

Dave.