Working out...

Ok, so there are a lot of different components of health, but one big one is fitness/working out. There are a lot of solid approaches out there, and a lot of fads. A lot of times it can be hard to figure out where to start. Here are some great resources I have found:

Mark’s Primal Workout:
This is one of the most doable entry level programs I have ever seen. The movements will be possible even if you have never been very active before, as you start at the level you are at. Over time, you progress to higher levels. The foundation is based on a lot of walking/slow jogging, then a small amount of higher intensity workouts built on top of that. For more details, go to Primal Blueprint Workout-Basics. If you sign up for the free newsletter, Mark will send you the ebook for free. Again, I highly recommend this program. I have done this program myself, and also worked with several other people at several different experience levels. This program is one of the best I have found. If you are concerned that crossfit or P90X may be too intense to start out with, this program is ideal.

Doable, sustainable, constant improvement, adaptable...it’s the perfect introductory workout. If you want “get in good shape”, but nothing too drastic, this may be a great long-term solution too. Mark has some great thoughts on diet as well: Mark's Daily Apple.

P90X:
Not intended as a long-term program, rather a 90 days whip-your-fanny-into-shape program. The videos provide visual and audible examples and reinforcement. You will get a great total body strength and conditioning workout. The challenge: staying with it the whole time. It’s simple: if you put in the persistence and effort, you will see some excellent results.

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do

Looking for an intense weight-loss program? P90X looks solid. It’s 90 days of intensity, and it’s not for everyone, but it lays things out very clearly, walks you through every step, and it will get results. If you are interested, you could also check out P90X's cousin, the 60 day Insanity workout:

http://www.extremefitnessresults.com/

Crossfit.com
Hardcore, no-nonsense fitness. Workouts listed online for free, lots of videos too to demonstrate different exercises. If you’ve never heard of it, then check it out. You will be in the best shape of your life. Really popular in the Marine Corps, also other military, firefighters, police departments, etc. Yet, also a great program for starting out. Workouts can be scaled back to match fitness level. For more info, www.crossfit.com. Check out their affiliates page for a crossfit gym near you: http://www.crossfit.com/cf-affiliates/

Crossfit will give the most bang for your buck/time commitment. For the time investment, about the best return you could ask for. It will kick your tail, you will spend under 45min a workout, and you will be in the best shape of your life. And you will never be bored.

Stronglifts 5x5 / Starting Strength:
So you want to gain a ton of muscle really fast? This is it. Nothing fancy, just compound lifts and grit and determination. This program is ideal for the teenager/20-something who is in decent shape and wants to jump-start their muscle building. Straightforward and simple; great program. www.stronglifts.com Very similar to the startingstrength.com workouts. If you are going to do this one, you really need to supercharge your protein/fuel intake to keep up; checkout these links:

http://stronglifts.com/how-to-build-muscle-mass-guide/
http://stronglifts.com/how-to-gain-weight-for-skinny-guys/
http://stronglifts.com/gomad-milk-squats-gallon-gain-weight/

Best beginning weight-lifting program I’ve seen, great way to build foundations. Even if you end up doing something different, check out the links above regarding diet.

There are plenty of other good programs out there. Ultimately, it’s not about the program but your habits, goals, and really a way of thinking. These programs are tools to help you get there. Each of these programs, in different ways, lays some very solid foundations as you seek to attain better fitness.

Quick Summary/Recommendations:

Beginning: Mark’s Primal Workout

Need Something New?: Checkout P90X or it's cousin, the Insanity workout.

Take it to the next level?: Crossfit. It’s the standard for functional strength and endurance w/out compromise. This program will bring anyone to the edge of the elite.

Gain weight fast?: stronglifts.com. Great program to introduce the foundational lifts and take advantage of the huge gains possible at this phase of fitness.

Beyond/Elite: For other ideas, check out crossfitfootball.com, crossfitendurance.com, sealfit.com, ericcressey.com (esp articles, blog), startingstrength.com. Tons of good stuff.

Do you have a favorite program? Do you have any experience with any of these programs? Did I leave out your favorite? Let us know in the comments...what kind of program are you looking for?