Is it better to do a mix of types of exercise, or focus on getting better at one at a time

[NeverTwerkNaked]

I love swimming, but can’t always get to a pool.
My plan is to do couch to 5K but also a bit of swimming plus spinning sometimes (because I went to one class and loved it even though it was torture)

But is that a bad approach to getting fit?

It's ideal to do different types, but to be sustainable it's about what you enjoy and can fit in. Couch to 5k is three short sessions a week for 9 weeks, and they suggest you have a rest day after exercising. Are you going to fit in swimming and spinning as well? I did C25k and now do Parkrun on a Saturday and running club on a Thursday (which often involves some HIIT exercises). Ideally I'd fit in another session of something but can't find the time currently. Good luck with it!

I do better if I just make myself do some kind of exercise or the pattern slips. Plus my job is very sedentary So my plan was probably body balance or (fairly slow!) swimming on the “rest” days and spinning if the weather is too grim to run.

If you’re running then you need some strength training too. Body balance and swimming is ideal.

The best workout is one you'll do but ideally, mixing it up. I run, do interval training and lift weights. I try and do some yoga too but it's definitely the first to go if I have no time. The other 3 I do every week without fail (I work out every day).

That’s useful to know Show I think I will enjoy it more if I mix it up a bit! Just didn’t want to have come up with a silly plan .