One thing I look for when I am deciding on an exercise is…

@Hope

IMO most people look for can it be done anywhere and can easily fit into their day....

example weightlifting and items that take more equipment are hard to fit in if you take a trip etc.... going places like a gym add in time to get to and from place and time there takes a commitment of time and if work goes late or something in life changes it becomes harder to carve out gym time....

@Hope

But how do you decide what works for you?

What do you look for when selecting an exercise?

It's important that it's:

• Very very convenient,
  can do it at home,
  or
  can do it at work during lunch,
  no driving required,
  no preparation required,
  no equipment required,
  no shower-after required
  no change of clothes after required
  
  
• It's fun
  
  
• It feels good
  
  
• It's free, yay!
  
  
• It can be made challenging
  just enough
  so one can get into
  a flow state
  
  
• It's safe and not easily harmful
  if done too much
  or if done incorrectly
  
  
• It doesn't become boring quickly
  rather it stays challenging
  and interesting and fun
  
  
• It's needed, like:
  aerobics/cardio
  strength
  flexibility/stretching
  balance
  
  
• It's part of a full-body workout
  
  
• The moves feel really good to do

At this stage I am looking for gentle stretches, light strength training and toning and low impact aerobic exercizes.

I ha e become a bot out of shape and jabe joint and inflammation issues, frobromyalgia, and mypfacial muscle and pain issues. I was also in a serious a utomobile crash when a drunk driver crossed the center lines.

I know I need to get moving again and loose weight, but I have to take it slowly. Those pretzel back cracks and Uber stretches on the short videos might paralyze me. Slow and steady is my path for now.

I am doing better and can get physical work done each day again so there is that. I found some PT exercises for lower back decompression that help me alot with pain since the accident. The PT guys are my favorite for exercises at this time.

@Hope

Time, trial and error, and being okay with a fad or the new trends.

I have been an avid exerciser for many, many years now and found it to be the most helpful and healthy activity during my years of being diagnosed. My stress was overwhelming and the time I spent in the gym allowed me to be alone, let the music flow, count till I couldn't rep anymore, and see other people with their mental struggles. I had no idea at times whether my mood and irritability was because I fell out of a routine, I wasn't hitting goals or hadn't made enough goals yet. I wanted my life to go a certain direction and I could not make it happen. Exercise always held me steady and the diversity in options of exercise helped me by giving me an easy slide out of social requirements.

I loved bodybuilding, and that has its own culture and underground. I held onto my style, my routine and gave it my all, and in my way. I stuck to my guns and did NOT hit the stage. This was the most healthiest option for me, and left the bikini to my best friend who then got to shine on her own. Since her days of competing, its been variable. I am so excited and aware of the commitments required for strength and conditioning activities but I think I am finally ready. I have been running consistently 6km+ on a regular basis, finally training for time now. I am looking forward to the new program but am holding emotional reservations for the nausea and dizziness of S&C.

I was not involved in private or club group sports growing up the same way others were and chose the gym instead. For my social requirements, I joined a recreational softball league and a volleyball league.

A dynamic exercise routine is most entertaining for me. I do miss bodybuilding, though. Cardio was required for my belief in health and longevity.

Thank you for this thread.

I look for a nice shape