Men’s Journal has a nice article titled, “Everything you know about fitness is a lie.” I’m not gonna go that far, but the article offers five “truths” that bear repeating.
1. Your gym is your enemy. Not always, but gyms can lead to boring, ineffective workouts that become loathed. Instead, get outside, play (when was the last time you played tag or climbed a tree?)
2. You need to break yourself down before you rebuild. Start at the beginning - simple movements to build strength. Squat. Deadlift (i.e., pick up heavy things). For movement, I agree with this article in that if you could only own one book on fitness it should be “Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training” by Mark Rippetoe and Lon Kilgore.
3. Once you “get it,” you’ll love it. Variety, feeling good, and looking good are all reinforcing. ‘Nuff said.
4. Inside every man’s body is a weak muscle waiting to fail. This “truth” highlights the importance of whole body movements and exercises.
5. Being fit is about the freedom to train yourself forever. Amen. When I think about what “health” or “being healthy” means to me, I think about how I feel and I am performing (and how I want to feel and perform into old age) more than any blood test or bodily measurement. Do you wanna be the guy in the wheelchair or one of the Art De Vany or Jack Lalanne‘s of the world?