What’s the best exercise to do at home every day? Should I get a treadmill? Peleton? Or should I just run every day?
Not for me. I hate running. And sweating. Some fitness trainer I am for saying that.
Yoga?
I like some things about Yoga, but the spiritual part gives me the creeps… If only there was something similar, but without all that…
Or maybe I should get weights for home. Or some kind of all inclusive home gym system. But the price tags? Ugh.
There is no shortage to home fitness options. But there is a shortage in time, money, floor space, and frankly, self discipline. Ask me how I know. So what IS the best daily exercise to do at home?
Exercise That Requires Minimal Equipment
I personally choose to save on the floor space and money required for most equipment. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do cardio. Follow your doctor’s advice for sure.
But if I bought a treadmill, it would just sit there, taking up space. For home, I prefer exercise that I can do without equipment. Pilates mat work is great for that. You can even start with just a plank!
Exercise That Lends Itself to Home Practice
Joe Pilates envisioned and designed Pilates, or, “Contrology”, as he called it, to be used by everyone. As mentioned, all of the mat work is good for this.
He also designed the “Wunda Chair” for small New York apartments. It is a great option for daily exercise at home, if you are looking for equipment based workouts. Turned one way, it is a simple, comfortable chair.
Remove the cushions, turn it on its side, and attach the springs underneath, and you are ready for a workout that will challenge your balance, your flexibility, and will burn your quads like nobody’s business.
Whole Body Exercise
Whatever exercise method you choose, make sure that it is working the whole body. Joe Pilates said that, “you are only as young as your spine is flexible.” A good workout should be moving your spine in all directions, (except where a condition is present that requires you to limit range of motion).
Mind Body Exercise
Yoga and Pilates are both classified as mind-body exercise, but for anyone uncomfortable with Yoga, Pilates is a great alternative with many amazing benefits.
Exercise that Increases Flexibility and Mobility
Again, Yoga and Pilates are both focused on flexibility and mobility. Pilates adds strength, control and stability. It also focuses on balancing your imbalances, like the ones a mom gets from hauling toddlers around on her hips.
Exercise that Increases Balance, Stability and a Strong Core
Balance is an important factor in whatever exercise you choose. Maintaining and increasing balance helps to prevent falls as we age. Proprioception (knowing where you are in space) is a learned skill, and an important part of balance.
Exercise to Increase Stability
Stability, (not to be confused with balance), is being able to hold firm against outside forces, including gravity.
Consider a plank exercise. The joints of the shoulder must be able to stay strong in support of the weight of the body. In the same way, the core must be strong and stable to maintain the position. Because our bodies are always exposed to outside forces, be it opening a car door, or moving a piece of furniture, it is important to build up your body’s stability.
Exercise to Strengthen the Core
Your core consists of four parts. The diaphragm, the transverse abdominus, multifidi, and pelvic floor.
Diaphragm
Your diaphragm is exercised by breathing, of course, but controlled breathing is important for all forms of exercise. You do not want to hyperventilate or stop breathing. During a Pilates session, an instructor will often cue breath as well as movement.
Pelvic Floor
Pelvic floor muscles are the base of the core, and an important part of exercise for most women, (unless otherwise directed by a doctor). Especially following childbirth, these muscles can weaken and lead to incontinence.
Tranverse Abdominus
Your transverse abdominus is shaped like a wide band around your waist. If you’ve ever tried to squeeze into a pair of tight high-rise jeans, you most likely contracted your transverse abdominus to do it.
Multifidi
Finally, your multifidi are small muscles that support and aid in the movement of your spine. When your tranverse abdominus and multifidi are strong, it can help prevent or control several kinds of back pain, and support against those outside forces.
Exercise with Variety and Fun
Boring exercise is… boring. Who wants that?
Me neither.
John Howard Steel, a client of Joe and Clara Pilates, and the author of Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and His Legacy, said,
…“in a lifetime doing Pilates, I never met anyone who didn’t enjoy every Pilates session.”
— Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and His Legacy by John Howard Steel
https://a.co/dadkGfl
While I don’t have as many years of Pilates under my belt as he did, I have to say, so far, I agree. Perhaps I’m a bit partial.
Try Pilates At Home Every Day
Whether you choose Pilates, or dance lessons, or pumping iron at the gym, or running marathons, make sure you have variety, and that you enjoy it. Dance the waltz and swing; change things up. Or do Pilates. It’s a great option for daily exercise at home. Start Here!
For happy bodies,
Melanie