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I suppose this subject has been discussed before but I don't want to go digging for that in this forum so I will start my own thread. Folks what is the single best exercise in your opinion? For example if you had to choose a single exercise that you were allowed to do which one would you choose and this is including resistance training, calisthenics and everything in between. A lot has been said about several exercises being the best but for me if I was in a situation where I could only do one exercise for a period of time I would choose the exercise that I consider the most efective and complete and that would be The Clean And Press ( Not to be confuesed with The Clean And Jerk although they are very similar). I like it because this exercise involves the entire body from the legs all the way up to the neck and resistance can be added in the form of weights. That being said when done incorrectly it can be a dangerous exercise so proper form is essential. What is your view?
For me? Walking. It's the most portable and adaptable, can be easily incorporated into any waking part of my day, is doable for the most part even if I'm out of shape or under the weather, requires no special equipment, attire, facilities, memberships, can be done indoors or out, can be done solitarily or socially, typically will not cause stress injuries, is easy on my joints, and has proven to be the activity I'll most consistently stick with.
Does a single martial arts discipline count as a single exercise?
If not, then hiking. (am I allowed to run on the flats though?)
But if I can break it down by area:
Upper body strength = push ups
Lower body strength = lunges
Cardio = hiking (would be cycling but I don't cycle outdoors when it's very cold and don't stationary cycle indoors when it's nice out -- so that would be to separate things, right?)
This is a really tough one. Two exercises would be much easier.
I would actually choose the Deadlift over the Squat. The squat hits the legs a bit harder, but the deadlift has the advantage of hitting some of the same muscles as the squat (though not quite as hard) while also recruiting most of the overall posterior chain. In particular it's going to hit your back a lot more than a squat.
For my second I'd probably pick something venerable like the bench press. I assume I am allowed to change grips - in which case this same exercise can work most of the upper body (pecs, shoulders, triceps).
The only thing notably left out with these two is the biceps. Sad for a guy like me who prides himself on big gunz :P. But if we're down to one or two exercises, direct bicep work doesn't make the cut!
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