A More Holistic Approach to Fitness
At a glance
Variety matters: Moving in different ways supports long-term health.
One workout isn’t enough: Different movements train different systems.
Official guidance agrees: Mixing strength, cardio and resistance supports health and longevity.
We all know that regular exercise is good for our health. But recent large-scale research suggests that how we exercise may matter as much as how much we do.
A major study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) followed more than 100,000 adults over 30 years. It examined participants' activity levels and the amount of different exercises they practised. Their findings showed a link between engaging in a variety of exercises and living longer.
Mix up your movement
Moving in different ways may support long-term health
What does the research show about varying exercise?
This link between regular varied exercise and longevity is a key insight. It suggests that engaging in multiple physical activities is more beneficial than practising a single one.
This advantage remained even after researchers accounted for total activity levels. In other words, it was not simply the case that people who exercised more lived longer. Mixing cardio, strength and resistance appeared to protect people's health over time.
This suggests that varying our exercises enhances the well-established benefits of being active.
Vary your exercises
Add cardio, strength and resistance training to your weekly routine.
Why does moving in different ways support the whole body?
Different types of exercise place different demands on the body.
Spin classes challenge the heart and lungs, Pilates builds strength, control and postural awareness, whereas yoga supports balance, coordination and joint mobility.
So a varied approach supports the whole body more by enhancing strength, cardio and balance rather than focusing on one single outcome.
How does this align with public health guidance?
Recent public health guidance reflects this idea of engaging in various forms of exercise. The NHS recommends that adults aged 19–64:
take part in muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days a week
complete 150 minutes of moderate activity each week
or complete 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week
avoid long periods of sitting or inactivity
This guidance assumes a mix of activities across the week, not reliance on a single one.
What does varied practice look like in everyday life?
In reality, many people benefit from combining different activities throughout the week. Mixing strength, cardio and balance sessions keeps exercise varied, effective and engaging.
At The Holistic Warehouse, members take advantage of the range of classes we offer. Many move between Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, Yoga, Barre, Sculpt and Spin. This allows them to balance their goals, energy levels and schedules. It also allows them to work different parts of the body across the week, which can reduce any impact of placing repeated strain on the same muscles or systems.
As BMJ research suggests, this varied approach may support long-term health and reduce the risk of injury and burnout. This can make regular exercise easier to maintain over time. And this is why our studios are made for your whole being.
Are you ready to take a more holistic approach to fitness?
A holistic approach to fitness is not about doing more or pushing harder. It’s about supporting the body as a whole and choosing sustainable forms of movement.
Looking to adopt a more varied fitness approach? Experience our wide range of classes at our Glasgow-based studios in Clydebank and Dalmarnock.
About the author
Courtney Clark is the co-founder of The Holistic Warehouse and a qualified Yoga, Reformer and Mat Pilates instructor, Personal Trainer and Reiki practitioner. She holds a First-class degree in Psychology with Counselling. Her Yoga training began in an ashram in India, and her Pilates practice has taken her to studios in places such as Ibiza and Australia. These experiences guide the approach at The Holistic Warehouse, where every class is made for your whole being.
