After you have decided to engage in a workout program, a larger decision remains to be made. You will need to choose what kind of workout you will adopt. This is not going to be an easy choice, because there are so many options out there. Every other week, it seems like a new exercise fad is sweeping the nation, and they usually die off as fast as they appear.
In this article, we will attempt to save you some time and research by evaluating five of the most popular workout styles. In some ways, we could compare the different style of workout to the various styles of martial arts. Each style is unique in its own way, and each is effective in its own way. None of these workout styles are inherently better or worse than the others, as it is all a question of your individual needs and preferences.
1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
This is a style that focuses on short-term explosive power. The HIIT method uses short sets of intense activity, followed by a rest period. When we say “intense,” we mean that you try to perform at 90-100%.
Rest periods should be as short as possible. There will be some variation from one person to another, but the rest period normally consists of a lighter exercise. For instance, you could go for a run and use a light jog for your rest period. You could also use heavy dumbbells for the HIIT set and switch to lighter weights for a rest period.
A set of this kind should only take about 15-20 seconds. Remember, you are supposed to be giving it everything you have. If you are able to do a longer set, then you aren’t doing it right. The whole point of this exercise style is to achieve maximum levels of exertion as often as possible.
The only real downside of this workout style is that it will not be suitable for people with health problems. This is a high-strain method that not everyone can handle. On the upside, the high intensity means that it can produce big results in a relatively short time.
2. Circuit Training
Circuit training is a very simple concept that can be applied in an infinite number of ways. Circuit training is simply a method that involves combining various exercises. You do short sets of 2-7 different exercises, moving from one to the other with no rest period. Once you have completed an entire “circuit,” you take a moderate rest period before repeating the process.
To give you a better idea of how this works, let’s look at two examples. First, a martial-arts style circuit training routine where many things are practiced in quick succession. If you are more focused on strength, here is a resistance-style circuit training routine
There is evidence to suggest that this method is particularly good for rehabilitation purposes. Multiple studies have confirmed its efficacy in this department.
3. Yoga
Yoga is so well-known that it needs little explanation. If you don’t already know, it is an ancient style of fitness that comes from India. This method emphasizes flexibility, mental discipline, meditation, and endurance. It is not so focused on strength, and training methods do not tend to be very intense. However, it is a perfect choice for someone with health problems. If you are looking for a method of exercise that can dramatically improve your health when properly applied, Yoga would be a great choice for you. Science has found most of its methods to be effective, as you can see here.
4. Military-Style
This is the hardcore option, and should only be considered by hardcore people. Don’t let your ego get away with you here, because this method is not for the faint of heart or the faint of body. If you have any sort of health issues, this isn’t the way to go.
However, this method can produce drastic results for those who can handle the strain. It should be noted that there is no such thing as an official “military diet” or even an official “military workout routine.” In reality, the military just has certain general principles of diet and exercise that are followed, and this is where you should look for your specific information on this method.
5. Aerobics
Aerobics is meant to be a well-rounded style of fitness, and it fills that role very well. This style tends to emphasize flexibility and agility over strength and is generally more popular with women. That being said, aerobics offer strength training as well.
If you are looking for a workout style that emphasizes the health of the entire body without focusing on any one aspect, aerobics might be your thing.
Surprisingly, aerobics do an exceptionally good job of toughening the body. This study proved that aerobics can increase the density of human bone. Although it took two years for those effects to be seen, those results are pretty impressive. As for cardio health, aerobics are among the best exercises you can get.
Conclusion
Having examined these five styles in greater detail, we will now attempt to determine which one is best for you. In essence, you have to ask yourself two big questions: What do I have, and what do I want? In other words, you need to think about the body you have and the results that you want. You need to choose a workout style that is suited for your degree of physical health. Otherwise, you are asking for an injury.
At the same time, you also need to think about the end goal of your workouts. If you just want to lose some weight, aerobics would probably be your best bet. If you want something kind of like that, but with an interesting spiritual element, yoga would be the best choice for you. If you are more focused on performance, attempting to push yourself to the very limits of human endurance, the military method and the HIIT method would both be ideal.
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