Lie: You Just Need To Exercise More

There’s a common health lie floating around, that you just need to exercise more. Push your body, work harder and beat it into submission. But today I ask the question, is this good and does it even work?

I used to own a gym. For six years, I was one of those trainers pushing people to move their bodies more. I’m somewhat ashamed at what I allowed some of my clients to do, but I suppose it brought me to this place and a deep dive into exercise and what that looks like for health. 

The thing about exercise is that movement is critical for longevity in our bodies. It’s one of the healthiest things we can be doing for our bodies – to strengthen our fascia, move our lymphatic fluid, build lean tissue, boost our metabolism and immune system and regulate our hormones. 

SO much good in movement. 

But like anything too much or the wrong kinds can be equally as detrimental. 

That’s why today, on the podcast, I am breaking down the lie that you need to work out more. We’ll also talk about:

• What type of exercise is best.
• How much is too much or not enough.
• How to eat around your workout for optimal results. 

you don’t need to workout more

You don’t need to work out more you just need to work out smarter. Yes, we’ve come a long way in our knowledge of the importance of movement in our body – but it’s just that separating the difference between exercise and movement. 

As we’ve studied this over decades and dove into those humans who have lived the longest – research has found that it’s not a set amount of exercise a day that matters most but continued movement. 

While there is nothing wrong with strength training exercises or intense cardio – we do have to weigh that against the stress of sitting or overtraining. In general, focusing less on type and duration of exercise and more on steps is beneficial. 

what exercise is best

If you do any research into longevity, you’ll learn that to-date, walking is still the number one exercise for longevity. The reason, because it’s mostly enjoyable and comfortable to make a routine. However, that’s not to argue that swimming, biking, and weight training can’t also be a healthy addition. 

Which leads me to believe it’s not so much what type of exercise you do, but that you enjoy it and stick with it. Not just with the 30 or 40 minutes, you’re in it, but that you choose to continuously move throughout the day. 

You’ve heard it time and time again, walk more, and while I’d like to bring you hopes of a new way, the old way still wins out. Be active; doing non-exercise related activities trumps all exercise. 

Just move more. 

easier said than done

Of course, easier said than done. Primarily when we focus on the results rather than our reason. Yes, it is true, exercise can make you stronger and leaner, but that also takes time. Long is in the word ‘longevity’ for a reason.

If you’re working out and pushing your body to extremes to see results, you’re going to be mighty disappointed the first few weeks when the scale seems to be getting worse rather than better. But if you stick with it and the reason exercise is beneficial for your body, you’ll eventually see what you hoped you would. 

To get started, find an exercise or activity that you enjoy doing. Then focus on implementing stretching, yoga, and foam rolling to that to break down bound-up fascia keeping your body healthy, hydrated, and of a suitable body structure. 

Then, of course, move more. Get up from your desk every hour for a five-minute stroll around the office. Get some morning sunshine and fresh air with a hike before you head out the door. Pick up gardening, go on a family bike ride, take a kayak out for a spin – do something daily – it doesn’t and shouldn’t be strenuous daily but move – all day every day. 

It matters, especially over time. 

resources

Looking to make movement a part of your daily life – and get better fascia? Here are some of my favorite resources:

• Book: The Power Source
• Foam Roller
• My favorite step counter: Fitbit Versa
• Health Lie: Your Hormones are Responsible for Your Weight Problem
• Health Lie: There’s Something Wrong With Me – I’ll Never Be Healthy
• Health Lie: Calories In Equals Calories Out

work with me

Are you ready to change your health for life? To do a complete mind, body, and soul overview that will heal your relationship with food. I want to help walk you through learning a system that will work for you. 

To create your own health-style. 

Will you make this year the year of your health? 

Consider working one-on-one with me creating simple rhythms that will change the entire course of your life. Click here to learn more. 

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