The NYT Asks: “What’s the Single Best Exercise?”
And I respond: “That’s a really dumb question!”
I imagine the author, Gretchen Reynolds, had good intentions, but the article is a complete mess. To begin with, she never defines what she means by “best” – but leaves this up to the various experts she queries. Not surprisingly, the responses she gets are all over the map. The only reason the “debate grows heated” is because “best” is so completely open to interpretation. Other than “weight control” (which is mentioned 5 times), she offers no clear criteria.
Thus, I got a chuckle out of Hamilton Nolan’s takedown at Gawker: “What’s the Single Best Exercise? A Retort.”
Gretchen Reynolds quotes a variety of tea-sipping “experts” who variously suggest burpees (okay), high intensity interval training (decent), or even—and I hasten to add that this is a direct quote to which someone allowed their name and reputation to be attached in the paper of record—”brisk walking.”
Brisk walking.
Only one man (Stuart Phillips, Ph.D.) is both brave and hardcore enough to step forward and speak the true name of the Single Best Exercise in the Whole Wide World: Squats. Glorious squats!
Spoken like a true iron warrior! For the record, however, I’d nominate deadlifts… but that’s just because I like them more than squats. 😉
But seriously… what the “best” exercise is, is relative to the person doing it, and what his/her needs (or limitations) happen to be.
But even the “best” exercise isn’t sufficient as a standalone – a point that Reynolds seemed to miss completely. It’s a lot like asking “what’s the best food?” Even the “best” can’t cover all the bases… and there’s no reason to assume it should.
In a previous Gawker post, Nolan advised: “Never Take Fitness Advice From the New York Times.” Overall, I think that’s a little too harsh, but in this particular case, he’s got a point.
April 16, 2011
I agree with you. I think best is relative to the person as well as to the goal. Fat loss work would have a different “best” than a strength, or hypertrophy “best”.
It seems that everyone with an opinion has a “best” exercise. I guess to me the best would be one that’s good for the overall conditioning of the body, which is any one that you will do.
April 17, 2011
Sure, but to think largely in terms of a single, “best” exercise is limiting.
Obviously, when trying to not be a couch potato, it can be useful to start with only one, in order to build the habit. But beyond that, variety is “best” – whatever the goal may be. Not only does it keep things interesting, but it makes sure that all the bases are covered.
April 22, 2011
LOL! I would have said deadlifts too! Oh- and just ONE best exercise? Not possible!!!