DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband and I disagree as to which regimen of exercise is less hard on the joints and more beneficial to the body in the long run. He uses cross fit/circuit training workouts and I use Pilates workouts with separate mild cardio workouts. We are both in our mid 30s and I feel like an advanced cross fit workout is tough on the back and joints (which my husband has been known to complain about), but he feels an advanced Pilates workout is just not enough to stay fit.
What do you think?
DEAR READER: For the sake of readers who may not fully understand the differences in exercise, home timed circuit training consists of 8 to 10 different exercises that might include lunges, crunches, squatting, push-ups, chin-ups, and more. One circuit consists of between 10 and 15 repetitions of each exercise. A person should rest for almost a minute before beginning the next exercise and should rest again for several minutes between circuits. One circuit will take approximately 10 minutes.
Crossfit timed circuits take about 15 to 20 minutes. A workout consists of three categories — weight lifting, gymnastics and aerobics and might incorporate a treadmill, weight machine and pushups for each station.
A running timed circuit is often used by cross-country athletes. Distances vary from 100 to 3200 meters. Squats, push-ups and step-ups are interspersed between any field work.
Pilates is yet another form of exercise that emphasizes the development of the body through core strength and flexibility in order to provide coordinated movement. Every movement is performed with complete muscular control, appropriate placement, and alignment. Initial training consists of stretching and strengthening and may include the use of an exercise ball, Pilates ring, back and shoulder stretches on the ball, weights, and a fitness band.
I’m sure you both work up a sweat, increase your heartbeats, control your weight, and are physically fit. Keep in mind that any fitness program can be modified. For example, you may not choose to incorporate weights into your daily routine. Your husband may not enjoy aerobics; however, as long as you perform the routines regularly, you will both profit. You wouldn’t expect him to see a “chick flick” every week, nor would you likely take an interest in sitting in a smoke-filled sports bar watching a 10 PM hockey game every Friday night.
If your husband experiences back and knee pain, he should modify his workouts, rather than stress his body on a regular basis. This isn’t a sign of weakness, simply common sense. Perhaps if he works with a professional trainer once or twice, he can delete some exercises that might contribute to the pain and add others that will help strengthen his body in the areas that require it most.
I recommend you both respectfully agree to disagree, that you maintain good sleep habits, stay well hydrated, especially when exercising, and eat nutritious meals.
