Finding the right exercise doesn’t have to mean forcing yourself through a workout you dread. For six years, mine was a martial art most people find terrifying.
“Who would ever enjoy a sport where the chances of not being able to breathe is likely to occur?”
For six years I trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). I had never been in better physical shape than when I was training BJJ. The sport, or martial art, is grueling, but fun!
It is hard to explain how getting chocked out, suffocating, my joints taken to almost breaking point, and being out of breath is fun, but it is something you would have to just experience it for yourself.
BJJ was developed for the smaller guy to be able to use leverage to choke out or break joints against heavier and stronger opponents. No matter how strong a person is, joints are only meant to bend certain ways and once a joint is bent beyond a certain point, unless the person taps out, their joint is going to break.
From Six Years of BJJ to Finding Tennis
I trained for six years where I often attended 4-5 classes a week, even more at times. Then, I gave it all up to focus 100% on my education, but I never stopped thinking about the sport that I truly loved and enjoyed being a part of.
Being physically active is an important part of my life. Just because I was no longer training BJJ, I still needed to stay active. I eventually discovered tennis.
Never did I think I would ever play tennis, but there was something that interested me about it. So, I took a class. Then took another class. Now, I love playing tennis! There is just something about hitting a ball as hard as I can and watching it go just right over the net.
In tennis I don’t have to worry about being choked out or not being able to breathe. It is just me focusing on hitting the ball and setting up for the next ball to hit. Tennis takes a lot of endurance and hand-eye coordination. I like the quickness and the focus of the game.
The Best Exercise Is the One You’ll Actually Do
So, what does this have to do with you and exercise?
The best exercise you should be focusing on is the exercise that you enjoy most. The more you enjoy engaging in a physical activity, the more you will do it and stay consistent. And consistency is required to receive the benefits that come with exercising.
Often times men think they have to join a gym. However, if the thought of going to a gym is dreadful for you, then don’t join a gym. Yes, you would want to incorporate strength training and exercises that increase your heart rate, however, the important thing is that you are being physically active and that you are enjoying it.
I really enjoy playing tennis. I wish I could play it every day. I also enjoyed training BJJ. In fact, I see myself getting back into BJJ soon. Most of the guys I started training with as white belts are now black belts.
Find What You Enjoy, Even If It’s Unconventional
Too bad I didn’t keep training! Nonetheless, I had a good time and I enjoy these physical activities that keep me in good physical shape and healthy.
What are some sports, martial arts, or activities that you think you would enjoy?
If you have never tried BJJ, I highly recommend you visit a local academy and check it out. The BJJ community is very welcoming and you will meet some great people.
I have friends all over the world because of BJJ. I even traveled to Brazil twice to train. I was this deeply involved in the sport. It became a lifestyle for me.
Perhaps, getting chocked out or taking on bigger opponents then yourself does not seem like fun to you, then find something you will enjoy.
How Much Exercise Do You Actually Need?
Studies have shown that working out just ten minutes three times a day is just as effective as working out for 30 minutes straight. So, no excuses!
It is best to aim for 45-60 minutes 5-6 days of the week. If you start to train BJJ, you will get this amount easily. The joke about BJJ is that once you are in, you can’t get out. Even though I have not trained for five years, I still think of it.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
No matter what your age is, it is never too late to try something new. Besides, learning sometime new will be beneficial for your brain, as well.
I have witnessed men in their 40’s and 50’s begin training BJJ and do very well and enjoy it. The benefits that come with training BJJ are many and you will not only get in the best shape of your life, you also learn some self-defense techniques.
Find something you enjoy and the rest will follow.
If you’re struggling to find an exercise routine that actually sticks, or you’re looking for more ways to build strength, discipline, and consistency in your life, contact me today to talk about how coaching can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the best exercise have to be something you enjoy?
Not necessarily — the point here is that consistency matters more than enjoyment; six years of training in something intense and uncomfortable can still deliver major benefits.
What made Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu an effective choice despite being intimidating?
Its intensity forced consistent problem-solving and physical adaptation, benefits that a more comfortable, less demanding activity might not have delivered as effectively.
What’s the real takeaway about choosing an exercise?
Pick something that genuinely challenges you and stick with it long enough to see results, rather than optimizing purely for what feels easy or comfortable.
