Which exercise works best FOR YOU?

The first step to getting fit is discovering a workout you’ll love

Finding a way to burn calories that suits your lifestyle can often feel like a hard task. And you’re not alone – it’s what keeps most of us from exercising at all, with one study* finding that 84% of Brits would work out a lot more if it wasn’t so ‘dull’. Sound familiar? It doesn’t have to. Incorporating what you like into your exercise routine can really help you stay motivated. So what are you waiting for? Here’s what could work for you.

RUNNING OR SKIPPING

If you like…

Exercising alone

Cardio-based workouts

Challenging yourself

Lone wolf when it comes to a workout? These high-impact cardio activities could be for you. Both free and easy to do wherever you are, they’re great for boosting your heart health, burning calories and improving your overall fitness. How? It all comes down to ‘overloading’ our body, explains Professor John Brewer from the University of the West of Scotland.

‘This means producing energy so the muscles can do more work, and that energy will need oxygen, which is delivered in blood pumped around the body by the heart. If your heart is beating fast, it’s a sign you’re in “exercise mode” and working in a way that is benefiting your muscles and cardiovascular system,’ he says.

GET INVOLVED: To take your first strides before going it alone, try Parkrun (parkrun. org.uk) – free, timed 5k runs throughout the country.

PILATES OR WEIGHT-TRAINING