The best exercise to lose weight.

I should start by saying by saying that I’m no way the expert on weight loss. I’ve battled all my life with my weight and still do now, so I definitely understand the difficulties people face.

I read an article recently supporting the concept that exercise is not good for weight loss, as you are likely to consume more calories following exercise! For me however, I know that’s just not the case, I am much more likely to make a healthier food choice if I’ve exercised. Over the last few years, I’ve tried many different forms of exercises, here’s my view on the best.

Walking

One of the quickest ways to increase your exercise is to walk more, anything from a simple to walk to the shops, walk to work or trying something longer. Personally, I downloaded an app to suggest walks close to me. Though this I’ve had some wonderful walks and found local landmarks I never knew existed. Pack some health snacks and enjoy your time outdoors.

Badminton

The downside with badminton, is you must have a least 1 friend, 2 rackets and a shuttlecock. Your local sports hall may be able to rent you the rackets and shuttlecock, but you will have to find the friend yourself.

Once you have these things, wow! I have never found a sport so fun and competitive all at the same time. I enjoy a rally where you count how many times you can keep it up, before one of you tries to smash it at the other, thinking they are in a world tournament! 9 out of 10 times, these smash shots hit the net and you start again. Often, I turn up, just not in the mood to play, but by the time I finish, I am in a puddle of sweat and feeling great.

Running

I never thought I would be a runner. Being overweight I had lots of doubts about running, after running over one hundred 5ks, lots of 10k races and a half marathon, I still wonder if I’ll ever be a runner; but, in truth I am and always will be a runner. All you need is to put your trainers on and just run.

Running is great because it can be done or your own, but it can be even better with friends. Why not join a local running club or even better look up your local Parkrun. I still remember how I felt just before my first Parkrun, scared, anxious, thinking I’d be the slowest and be left on my own. What I didn’t know is that would never be possible, there’s always a sweep (volunteer at the end) making sure no one is left behind. It doesn’t matter that I’ve finished last in many races I have run, because in every one of these, I was still faster than those people sat at home.

Gym

Gyms are great, they have all the kit you need. You’ll find thousands of exercise routines online if you need something structured to follow, if not just go in and try some of the equipment out, you’ll soon find out what suits you best. Classes are also a good choice if you need extra motivation.

The gym community has changed a lot in the last couple of years, and you will meet people from all walks of life, young, old, and everything in between.

Disclaimer, if you are going to join the gym, this may not be the time of the year to do it! The gyms are heaving with everyone carrying out their new year's resolutions. Wait a couple of weeks until mid-February and they will be back to normal.

Cycling

If you can afford it, buying a bike, is one of the best investments you can make. Not only can you go for planned bike rides, but you can also use it for some of your smaller journeys, where you’d have taken the car, so as an added bonus you’ll be doing your bit for the environment. Best thing about cycling, you see things that you would never notice on a car journey.

What’s the best?

So, this is the bit that you have all been waiting for. Which form of exercise is the best? All of them! It really does not matter what you do, just that you do something.

Recently, one of my friends asked me, “why am I always doing new things?” it is simple, I am always doing some form of exercise. If I get bored, I try something new. If I am enjoying it, I keep doing it.

What will you try to get you moving more?

Happy exercising!

Ben – Its That Sober Guy

Disclaimer – I am not a trained addiction or mental health professional, information is based on my own life experiences and shared in good faith to help others.