Exercise Is Relative
The title of this Memo is a concept that can be difficult to understand, especially when you read the studies I’m going to cover after the Memorial Day weekend. I’m going to talk about high intensity and even higher intensity exercise. What I don’t want to happen is for you to begin to read them, make a mental decision that you could never do that, and miss an opportunity to get fitter.
When I say exercise is relative, it’s relative to the physical condition you’re in right now. If you regularly complete 100-mile bike races, you’re in a different category than someone who does 20 minutes on an exercise bike with no resistance. If you’re 25, there will be a difference compared to someone who is 65. Bodyweight also plays a factor. You want the effort to be relative to your fitness level now. If you can’t run, maybe you can walk fast. If you can’t walk fast because of joint pain, perhaps you can ride an exercise bike. If all you can do is put on some music and boogie a little bit, that’s a start. The mode of exercise won’t matter; just the relative effort you put into it.
Keep that in mind as you read the Memos. As long as you’re cleared to exercise by your physician, you can try some of the higher intensity effort exercises to see if they can fit into your workouts.
In Friday’s Memo, I’m going to give you a challenge for the Memorial Day weekend. Without giving you too much information, ketchup, mustard, and relish do count. Count for what? Friday…
What are you prepared to do today?
