The Most Effective Exercise Program
Outside my work life at
ADVANCE for Nurse Practitioners, I have a "recent onset" second career as a group fitness instructor.
I teach diverse exercise formats, and I am passionate about each of them — Pilates for its attention to core strength and mind-body focus, BodyPump for its powerful muscle strengthening and toning benefits, and Zumba for the sheer joy it brings to me and the people dancing along with me.
As you see patients every day, I'll bet a lot of them ask you to recommend ways to lose weight and incorporate physical activity into their lives. The next time you get that question, consider "prescribing" a trial of two or three exercise formats. Sure, walking is a good start. But boredom is a common reason that people stop exercising. Variety can keep things interesting, and cross training in more than one exercise format ensures better overall physical fitness.
The bottom line is that the most effective exercise program is not a single format or setting or equipment choice. Simply put, the most effective exercise program is whatever the patient will stick with. When exercise is engaging and enjoyable, it is also effective.
So survey the exercise offerings in your community. The fitness industry is alive with innovation these days. Check out the group fitness schedules at your local health clubs and let your patients know what's out there. Who knows? Maybe you'll even find your own regular spot behind a barbell, on a Pilates mat or at the dance party known as Zumba!