What’s the “Best” Exercise? (Ep. 150)
Our latest Freakonomics Radio episode is called “What’s the ‘Best’ Exercise?” (You can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or elsewhere, get the RSS feed, listen via the media player above, or read the transcript.)
During the podcast, we discuss exercise commitment devices and cost-effectiveness; and we come up with a three-point checklist to help you out. We call it “The Three I’s”: Intensity, Individualization, and “I Like to Do It.” If you’re searching for activities that you might like but haven’t thought about before, check out the CDC’s rather extensive list.
This episode features the introduction of a new friend, Jasmine (brought to life by Cepstral), and was inspired by a question from a listener named Scott Hechinger — thanks, Scott!
james i
Rowing, or at least the ergometer. Not for everybody, but a huge calorie burn, great whole-body aerobic workout requiring the coordinated muscular effort.
The limitations are that it favors the tall, strong, and fit. Also, some find it monotonous, so having the right personality, being able to focus, as well as being able to motivate oneself, are essential. The downsides for erg users is general lack of social interaction, although on-the-water rowing is typically done via large clubs.
To understand my frame of reference, I have always been fitness-oriented and focused on performance. I was certified as a trainer in the 90's, and over the years been focused on running, orienteering, cycling, weights+cardio, and rowing. I have also enjoyed a semester of ballet, which I felt I would prefer to more creative forms of dance, but I always return to rowing as being the most rewarding activity.
Ralph
Agree on the Erg - at 67 I return to it regularly as my primary cardio activity especially after an injury from some other exercise. I find the Concept 2 to be cheap and simple low impact device.
Julie
That computer voice has got to go
art mario
I have seen the ads for the ROM exercise machine and wondered who would be stupid enough to believe the claims.
Now I know.
Janice D
To quote Covert Bailey, the best exercise is the one you'll do. Something that you can incorporate frequently into your daily obligations. If you have to make a special event of exercises, make a special journey, wear special clothes, re-transition to the rest of your life, you will do the exercise less often and therefore, not achieve results equivalent to the overall expense/effort. This will discourage all but the most committed. Using the largest muscles burns the most calories, it's just logic.
Carly
Based on this particular podcast and the recent podcast about commitment devices, I was wondering what you think about the app called Pact (formerly GymPact) where you pay $5 (minimum) for missing each workout or healthy meal based on weekly goals that the user chooses for him/herself. If the user sticks with his/her goals for the week, he/she can earn about $.50 per workout or healthy meal (these payouts come from the payments for missed workouts/meals).I know that we have established that commitment devices can be tricky, but as economists I would venture to say that we do not enjoy losing money when there is money to be made. Do you think that associating a cost/benefit to each individual workout or meal would better help us to reach our goals?
clint
I would say that weight lifting is the best exercise you can do. Or any activity that makes your body consistently gains muscle mass. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn per day just by sitting still. I think the ratio is you can consume 50 extra calories per day per pound of lean pound of muscle. A beginner can gain about 15 lbs of muscle in one year. So after a year of weightlifting a person can consume 750 extra calories per day. Given no diminiahing marginal returns
arek
I found crossfit for me especially http://www.crossfitendurance.com/ it is totally free and I am not associated but it is very pleasant for me to beeing treated like athlete not like some old guy with healthy issues. You can be faster and stronger than in high school. Isn't it awesome. Forget gardening. Olympic Weighlifting? yeah please , first snatch in my life at 44yo, PR in anything? yes please. It is quite an accomplishement after long life as foureyed skinny nerd ;-). Every of my friends is asking what is this what I am doing? I feel 20 years younger. Really just give it a try.
They have 6 weeks program in which you don't need any equipment, you can do at home
sheet of excersises: http://crossfitverobeach.typepad.com/files/competitor_06_2011_cfe1.pdf
Jack Jackson
The best exercise? The one that motivates you to do it every day, of course. Intermediate pilates for me. Just me and the mat. Twenty minutes in the morning and I sleep better every night.
Rod Coleman
That's simple:
The best exercise is the one you do, which is most likely to be the one you enjoy:
http://suddendisruption.blogspot.com/search/label/Defy%20Aging
Stu Pied
A 150 pound woman has liposuction surgery, 4 pounds of fat is removed.