What's the best exercise for health?

[Huff1epuff]

I'm need to start doing some exercise but I don't know what I should be doing. I'm 30 and don't need to lose any weight. I walk between 5-10k steps a day.

I've tried running but really don't enjoy it and I know I won't be able to keep it up in winter as I'm too pathetic!

What's the best/most effective exercise for general health?

Swimming. Not necessarily the things you’re thinking of, either.
Better for reducing impact on joint and long term risk of need for replacement.
Better for mental health( if outdoors)
Cheap or free and easily accessible.
Good CT exercise.
Good workout for all muscle groups.
Clothing and equipment is minimal.
It can be social or done alone.

The best exercise is the one you really like, because you will stick to it.

Over the years I tries walking, running, cycling, exercise bikes and other (often expensive) machines... It always felt like a chore.

Then in my early 30s I discovered fitness training and never looked back. I am nearly 40 and the fittest, healthiest I have ever been, because I work out every day and actually look forward to it. I have never set foot in a gym, I do everything at home.

If pressed for an answer to your question I would say that strength training makes the biggest difference.

Whatever makes you feel good, because your mental health is as important as physical.

Perhaps try walking somewhere a bit more challenging or beautiful with a friend?

I enjoy lifting weights because it helps me feel strong!

Op, I get how you feel. I want to help my general health but I find running, cycling, machines boring. I want to train strength but I find it so boiring

Walking is definitely one of the easiest as requires no special equipment and can be easily built into daily life. A fitness tracker would help you have some goals - number of steps per day- and your resting heart rate should decrease as you continue to exercise.

Walking, you can chose your own speed, gradually up the distance and it’s free.

I was most days and consider myself reasonably fit, some days I walk 2k, other days 10k.

My grandmother walked every day (she couldn’t drive), she also cycled until she was 80. She’s now 95 years old 😄. I believe she’s reached this age because of walking and eating well.

All things being equal, it's probably swimming in terms of full body work out, low impact and assists with flexibility in addition to strength and cardio vascular. However, if you don't like swimming or don't have a pool near you then that's not much help.

The unhelpful but accurate answer will always be, the one you stick at and which meets your needs: strength, flexibility, social aspects, etc...

@FluffyBlueJumper

The best exercise is the one you really like, because you will stick to it.

Over the years I tries walking, running, cycling, exercise bikes and other (often expensive) machines... It always felt like a chore.

Then in my early 30s I discovered fitness training and never looked back. I am nearly 40 and the fittest, healthiest I have ever been, because I work out every day and actually look forward to it. I have never set foot in a gym, I do everything at home.

If pressed for an answer to your question I would say that strength training makes the biggest difference.

I need to do something. What fitness training do you do?

You need some weight bearing exercise in there too I think. I’d say something that gets you out of breath and something weight bearing plus ideally something for flexibility too.

So some combination of yoga and walking up hills/cycling/HIT workout.

Weightlifting. Proper weights, not piddly little 2kg dumbbells. TORCHES calories, great for the bones, makes you feel like a badass
But as other have said, the best exercise is the one you’ll actually do! What do you enjoy?

Weight training, especially for women.

In fact, just what @KnitFastDieWarm said 😃

@Desperatelyseekingreason I alternate between strength training (I have got quite heavy, adjustable dumbbells), HIIT and kickboxing. I do lighter cardio on my rest days. I use Fitnessblender.com because I like the white background and the absence of music. They have got hundreds of workout videos so I am never bored.

I am 7st lighter than at my heaviest weight. It has truly changed my life.

Just listened to this podcast from Dr Michael Mosley. He said we should be doing press ups and squats. Apparently it's like HIIT for the brain.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000vp09

Anyone got any suggestions/links as to how to get started with weights? I am SUCH a weakling but this is something I'd like to do.

A bike? I've just purchased one and I'm enjoying my rides out exploring where I live.

@homesickinscotland I booked sessions with a PT to get me started as I wanted to get the technique right in case I hurt myself. Money very well spent. Must gyms will give a free induction with advice too. I thought I was a weakling but have surprised myself!

@FluffyBlueJumper thanks.

I’m struggling with an extra 2 stone since COVID so I need to need to do more exercise. Motivation is a big problem for me.

@homesickinscotland get a PT for a few sessions to give you the foundations if you can afford it.

There’s an app called Sweat (with Kayla) and select the “stronger” workout for a guide through beginners weight training.

Best exercise is the one you’ll do. I have a friend who walks on a treadmill for one hour a day whilst watching Netflix on her iPad. She hates exercise and outdoor walking/running but she knows she doesn’t dread doing that so she does it. I do it sometimes too if I’ve not got much motivation but want to move. I like Call the Midwife and nobody else in my house does so I will save the episodes for a treadmill stroll.

I like weight training. It’d be boring without a good podcast or audio book though I think. So perhaps think about ways to make some of those more ‘boring’ activities more interesting.

All movement is good.

I’m a fan of functional fitness, but that is probably because I’m getting old and worry more about trips and strains. I also run 2 to 3 times a week, I don’t enjoy it but I accept that cardio health is important and I love myself and my family enough to tolerate the dislike of running.

I hate swimming, far too much hassle and I always end up swallowing water whilst trying to breath correctly.

I think it helps to have a focus, whether that be wanting to look good in a bikini, or staying healthy for your family. Any exercise is bearable with that intent behind it.

@Worldgonecrazy I didn’t know what functional fitness meant, but have just googled it and it’s exactly what I described to the PT yesterday as what I want to achieve 😃

I do a combination of strength training in the gym, swimming, yoga and walking. But I don't think there's any right answer as if you don't enjoy something then you won't stick to it. If I had to pick one, I'd choose yoga because that's really made a difference mentally and I've also made quite a few friends though the classes.

Agree, it's what you enjoy. Can't bear swimming but I love running and gym classes . You have to try a few different things.

If anyone is interested in functional fitness I can recommend Caroline Girvan on YouTube. She has lots of free workouts though mere mortals / non superwomen may want to use half the weights she uses. She has some beginner workouts too.