How To Make Sure You're Getting The Right Type Of Exercise

Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the right type – and amount – of exercise.

- Alyssa Shaffer

You know exercise is important for good health, overall energy and emotional well-being, so you’re already on the right track. But just as eating a variety of nutritious foods to support your health makes sense, that same logic – with an emphasis on variety – can be applied to physical activity. A well-rounded workout, including aerobic exercise and strength, balance and flexibility training, will do wonders for your body (and your mind!) and help you function at your best.

If you’ve been doing only one type of exercise (or no exercise at all), there’s good news: “It’s never too late to start with a well-rounded fitness program, even if you are living with a chronic condition like arthritis,” says Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, PhD, professor and head of the department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have guidelines that every one, regardless of age, fitness level or whether you have a health condition, like arthritis, should aim to reach. The guidelines include moderate activity, like walking or swimming, as well as strength training, stretching and balance training. Although your arthritis may create some physical limitations, there’s ample evidence that doing a variety of activities can help reduce your symptoms so you can move more easily and feel better.

“The key is to identify the physical activity that works best for you, and then make sure you are taking part in it regularly,” says Chodzko-Zajko. Once that’s established, he adds, you can add in other elements, such as tai chi for balance or yoga for flexibility.

Here’s how to get a well-rounded workout. 

Aerobic Exercise