Are there too many ways to exercise? Yasmin Tayag seems to think so. And, if supporting independent journalism tickles your fancy, you might subscribe to The Atlantic to read it. It's just a pity that in today's digital age, independent journalism of old is dying. Sports Illustrated is gone or close to it, at least. Every other Vox article I consume features a picture of the editor-in-chief or someone or other asking for donations.
If you want to support independent, decentralized authors, continue reading about how I disagree with Yasmin. There aren't too many ways to exercise; there's too many choices to make.
The Paradox of Choice
I'm going to summarize this book for the sake of everyone who hasn't read it, but I do readers a disservice. The real kindness would be implanting the plethora of insights and observations directly into your minds, alas, without this capability, the second best kindness would be an earnest encouragement to find a copy and read it for yourselves.
For those of you who won't do that in the next five minutes, here's a summation.
"The Paradox of Choice" by Barry Schwartz explores the impact of an abundance of choices on decision-making and well-being. Schwartz argues that while having choices is generally considered positive, an excess of options can lead to decision paralysis, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. He introduces the concept of the "paradox of choice," suggesting that as the number of choices increases, individuals may find it harder to make decisions and may end up less satisfied with their choices.
Schwartz discusses how the modern consumer culture, with its plethora of options in areas like consumer goods, career paths, and workouts, to name a few, contributes to decision fatigue. He explores how people set unrealistic expectations, fear making wrong choices, and often blame themselves for dissatisfaction when faced with an overwhelming number of options.
The author also presents practical advice on how to navigate the paradox of choice, emphasizing the importance of simplifying decisions, focusing on what truly matters, and embracing "good enough" choices. Overall, "The Paradox of Choice" sheds light on the psychological and social consequences of living in a world with an abundance of choices and provides insights into how individuals can make more satisfying decisions. Some reading I think every modern man and woman could leverage.
The most satisfying decision I made in regards to workouts this year? Persistence.
Picking & Sticking to Workouts
I understand Yasmin Tayag's predicament just from the first paragraph, especially because I refuse to spend on another subscription.
Choosing a workout regimen has become a workout in and of itself.
Perhaps, the extra effort doesn't come from the workout but the election of which path to travel. With so many options, you cannot help but experience FOMO among other things, for example.
In addition, borrowing from another recommended read, Atomic Habits, progress isn't linear. On top of that, people are expectant creatures. One week in the gym might not show you anything, nevermind, one hour. Yet after one or two sessions, we begin to believe there ought to be signs of our efforts.
Many of us don't realize, we may not see our efforts and their compounding for a long time. In relation to exercise, at least, three weeks set the stage for one to notice a change, no matter what it might be.
That's the blog post: pick it, then, stick with it. I didn't behave this way for a long time, even if I understood that results would take time. I can imagine that, I, like several others, expected results to come much quicker.
What have I stuck with the past 20 days?
Core Workouts
I accepted the challenge that three weeks of this workout would make a world of difference for lower back pain and my abs. Sitting regularly at a desk for long hours trading memecoins and spamming Twitter, I experienced some aches in my lower back for a while. I understand standing occasionally would help but would never imagine in a million years, ab workouts could help your back pain.
Learn why your muscles like stronger abs as much as you and some routines to make that happen. And let me be the first to say, I am noticing some changes.
In everyday life, your core has one directive: to stabilize your spine. That makes the exercises on this page the ultimate gut check. By forcing your core to brace against three kinds of potentially spine-damaging motion - rotation, flexion, and extension- they'll reveal just how strong it really is, says Kevin Carr, c.s.c.s., a trainer at Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning in Massachusetts. And if you add them to your weekly routine, you'll soon notice greater stability and power in everything you do- not to mention an increasingly chiseled profile.
Directions
Perform these exercises as a circuit, moving from one to the next without resting. Once you have finished all three exercises, rest for 2 minutes and then repeat the circuit. Complete a total of 3 circuits (if you can).
Plank Row (Anti-Rotation)
Assume a push-up position while gripping a pair of dumbbells that total half your body weight. Row the weight in your left hand to your ribs, then repeat with the right. Continue alternating sides for 20 reps.
Farmer’s Walk (Anti-Flexion)
Grab a pair of dumbbells equal to your body weight and let them hang naturally at arm's length next to your sides. Keeping your chest up and shoulders back, walk forward for 40 yards.
Ab Wheel Rollout (Anti-Extension)
Kneel on the floor and grab the handles of an ab wheel. Roll it forward as far as you can. Use your core to pull the wheel back. Do 15 reps. No ab wheel? Use a barbell loaded with 10-pound weights instead.
Not Too Many Exercises, Not Too Many Choices
In the end, there's only one recommendation for those trying to incorporate exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle: just do it.
Too many will select a circuit, crank it once in a burst of motivation, and justify a myriad of rationales why it might not be the one to continue. Some avoid consistency because of the soreness or complain the workout wasn't difficult and seek out a new one.
I am happy to tell you, I've hit the gym regularly since the start of the year, as I planned to in this post.
