by Bret Smith CPT, B. A., B.S. | Move Strong Studio          

“Do you really expect me to do that?” “I just saw this great exercise on TV can we try it?” “My last trainer said I should never do this exercise, but this one instead!”

These questions and comments continue to amaze me but they shouldn’t. With the voluminous amount of exercise information being peddled about and all the aspiring fitness gurus racing to be the next go-to expert, it is no wonder that so many crazy ideas seep into the core of practical fitness programming. The fascination with the “fast and easy” while ignoring “challenging and effective” is a constant influence on the non-sustainable. Fast and easy may offer a glimmer of hope in that some tool or gadget will solve all the problems associated with inactivity and obesity. On the contrary, challenging and effective are where true results await and no amount of sugar coating will change this.

First of all, let’s keep this in context. Challenging and effective are relative terms to the individual’s health concerns, previous injuries, capacity to work and a slew of other issues that make each person a unique challenge to find what works best. Secondly, we have to consider enjoyment on some level. If there is no enjoyment and only discouragement from ineffective practices than the hope for sustained compliance to a program is most certainly headed for an abrupt end. We are human and seek enjoyment in life and some level of comfort. Taking on a practice that creates a negative influence on the fitness/lifestyle connection will only serve to cement the unfortunate feelings of unwillingness. Lastly, the most effective dose in the least amount always seems to work best, especially in the early stages of taking on a fitness and lifestyle program. For some it may start out with something as simple as putting on their sneakers and walking to the front door. Yes…that simple. One task that now sets the stage for never-ending small, but effective, challenges linked together; eventually going from tying shoes to walking around the block and so on.

Ultimately what I am trying to get across here is that you don’t need the latest, greatest and most creative solutions to get lasting results from a fitness program. No matter what the infomercial screams and promises, finding what is the most productive will always beat the most creative. In the fitness world, creativity is important in staving off boredom and plateaus through new challenges and stimuli. But, the “creativity” of marketers and advertisers will have you believe you are missing out on the latest and greatest ever. Trust me…you are only missing out on wasting time and money on the seduction of “fast and easy”.

Stick to what has always worked… challenging fitness programs, healthy food in reasonable amounts and great attitudes!