There Are no "Magic Bullets" When it Comes to Exercise

I found this post interesting because it's a question I get asked a lot: http://blog.nutritiondata.com/dieting_weight_loss_blog/2010/05/the-magic-bullet-exercise-formula.html

Since I've lost my weight, people are always asking what's "the best" exercise to lose weight.

My reply? "The one you'll most likely stick with for the rest of your life."

It does you no good to run out and buy a Stairmaster because you read it burns the most calories in an hour if getting on the thing makes you want to puke.

You have to find ways to incorporate exercise into your life that you'll like and will want to continue doing for the rest of your life. It may not be the most efficient exercise, calorie burning wise, but it has to be something you'll WANT to do.

Earlier this year I discovered Tai Chi. It's a slow moving Chinese Martial art, which I'm just totalling loving. It only burns about 230 calories an hour, but the bonus is that I do it every day, even if it's just for 10 or 15 minutes. I love practicing the forms. And, this practice is on top of my normal power walking and yoga routines. While practicing Tai Chi 10 minutes (in addition to the two one hour classes I take every week), may not burn a lot of calories, over time those extra burned calories do amount to weight lost or not gained.

Yoga is another one of my exercise staples. I use it for strength and toning. I would probably see faster results if I lifted weights (and burn more calories to boot), but I positively loathe lifting weights, and really can't stand the whole gym atmosphere.

Yoga, however, is something that fits better with my personality. I've been doing it steadily for six years now, going to the studio at least 3 times a week and practicing at home regularly as well.

So find an exercise you love, and (to steal Nike's thunder) just do it.