Use this easy to follow guide when deciding on a fitness routine

First a disclaimer: This is for people with fairly general health and fitness goals like weight loss, leaning and toning, strengthening, and things like Improving functionality, mobility and flexibility.  

This is NOT necessarily for people training for a specific sport or event. Though this would probably work well in most situations anyway.

So if you fall into the first set of people then keep reading. It could save you a lot of time, money and frustration.

Too many fitness options, not enough individualized direction

The first thing we have to recognize?

There are A LOT of options in Chicago’s River North area, and just about every one of them will claim to be THE BEST option but…

they can’t all be the best option for YOU, right!?!?

Right! They’re not.

So what is the best fitness option for you?

Strength training is king

In my opinion the #1 thing that should anchor just about everyone’s fitness routine is 2-3 days of quality strength training. This is because strength training provides the most bang for your buck of any form of fitness.

Two days is minimum to get results. Three days is usually better and will provide faster results.

Now you might have noticed i said QUALITY strength training. That’s because without the quality the potential for great results will diminish.

The challenge here is that you won’t find the fitness quality I’m thinking of in a larger group (more that 6 people per instructor) setting. 

One person just can’t manage and modify things for that many people. This results in more of a choreographed routine you must follow regardless of your experience or abilities.

personal training can be affordable

Instead… if you can afford a personal trainer, do that! You can find this in either a 1 on 1 setting or a small group (6 or less people per trainer) setting.

Though they’re a little harder to find, I prefer the small group setting. You get most of the benefits of 1 on 1 training at a fraction of the cost. Plus you get to workout with other like minded people with similar goals. This can act as a very inspirational and motivating environment.

The next best option would be finding a trainer to work with you once every month or two and write you a program to follow in between those sessions.

Once you’ve done this and have established a routine you can start to fill in the gaps with other forms of training.

rounding out your program

Once you’ve figured out a strength training option that works for you, make sure to establish a routine. After that you can start to fill in the gaps with other forms of training.

Yoga for more flexibility. Pilates for more core and mobility. HIIT training for more conditioning. Or just pick something you enjoy like boxing, swimming, biking, etc.

This is the part of your routine that you can take advantage of the fun and challenging workouts offered by local fitness boutiques.

Unfortunately a lot of people do this backwards and wind up getting distracted by all of the bells and whistles these boutiques offer.

This can lead people down a path of plateauing, injury and burn out. Things YOU don’t want to go through.

conclusion

So if you’ve made it this far, your next step after reading this article is to schedule a consultation with a fitness professional.  

I happen to be one and would be more than happy to steer you in the right direction.  If not me, find a referral from a friend and schedule with them. 

Either way, follow this fitness template so you put yourself in the best position to get the results you desire and don’t waste your precious time or money doing it backwards.