The 'small stuff' is important when it comes to fitness programs
There is a common phrase used when a problem arises now and then. The “Don’t sweat the small stuff” statement when you are advised on how to get over something that is bothering you. For many problems this is a good answer. Look at the bigger picture and let the small details will be handled later.
Here are times when the “small stuff” needs to be looked at with more detail. For individuals planning on a fitness program it is often the “small stuff” that can make the experience fun and enjoyable, or a miserable time with aches and pains. The person may get advice from a friend, or a personal trainer, that paints the big picture. A piece of advice such as, “You should start running,” “You should try riding a bike to get in shape," and “You need to start lifting weights to get fit,” are all common comments heard from well-meaning fitness enthusiasts. This is where the “small stuff” becomes important.
Depending on the individual, and the reason for their desire to try a fitness program, sometimes the small stuff becomes important. Individuals come in a large variety of shapes and sizes and levels of fitness. Is the person a man or a woman, are they obese, are they young, an adult, or a senior age person, what is the reason they want to become more fit, do they have any injury, or disability to consider, and what is the starting level of their fitness? All of these factors will determine what type of fitness program will best suit their needs and desires.
I often hear that to start a running program, “All you need is a pair of shoes and you’re ready to go.” This is where the small stuff becomes more important. When the person starts to run do they pronate, supinate, are a heel striker, or a toe striker, do their feet flare out, or are they ‘pigeon toed’? Are they overweight, knock-kneed, or bow-legged, or have a tight Achilles tendon that limits dorsal flexion of the foot? Shoe selection becomes very important now. A wrong shoe choice can make a problem much worse. Getting the correct shoe for the foot and running style is critical to make the run enjoyable. The small stuff goes to selection of a pair of socks, a pair to shorts, a shirt, and something to carry some water in if necessary.
Things are not much better if you are advised to take up bicycle riding. You are told to, “Buy a bike and go for a ride to improve your fitness leve." That advice is the ‘big picture’. The small stuff comes when you go to buy a bike. This is when you walk into a bike store and find out there are road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, recumbent bikes, and prices range from over $2,300-plus to $250. In this case it is often you get what you pay for. You are asked by the sales person, “Are you going to ride in town on short trips, or are you planning on riding out on the county roads?” “How much are you planning on spending for your bike?” The sales person will suggest a certain type saddle (seat) if you are a woman, or overweight. Then they will ask if you want regular pedals, stirrups, or clip on pedals? Then the selection turns to, “Do you want a ’10 speed’ or a ‘15 speed’ gear ratio?” At this point you are asking yourself, “What ever happened to just wanting to ride a bike like I did when I was a kid. Maybe a stationary bike in the bed room is a better selection?”
That is where the small stuff comes in. Accessories you will want for a more comfortable ride include a pair of padded bike shorts, padded gloves, a helmet, and possibly a nice bike shirt. Those small things really start to add up fast at this point in your quest for improved fitness.
About this time you might think the lifting weights is the simplest and easier option. Lifting weights can be used to lose weight, gain weight, get stronger, general overall fitness, rehabilitate an injury, do body building, Olympic lifting, Power Lifting, or specify improving sport performance. The decision of sports can be a bit complicated when you have to choose between a program for golf, football, basketball, pickle ball, tennis, sprinting, long distance running, or the ability to go shopping longer and not get tired. Each will have a specific program designed to facilitate your goal.
Then after you make that decision the choices come down to lifting free weights, machine weights, cables, isokinetic resistance, dumbbells or barbells, or body weight and pushups on the floor. You also have the choice of buying a gym membership or buying the equipment to use at home. If you choose to use it at home how much space will you need, where will you store the equipment, will it fit in with the treadmill and stationary bike, and will your spouse, or children, also use it?
It all comes down to the opening statement of, “Don’t sweat the small stuff." Just make a choice and start moving to enjoy the benefits of being fit and healthy.
