What's the "Best" Exercise? - Freakonomics Radio

In this episode of Freakonomics, a listener asked what the best, most efficient form of exercise for her to be doing. Economics involves getting the most out of small investments, so this question relates to the subject well. For the answer, the host turns to a series of experts.

According to Gretchen Reynolds, writer of the Phys Ed column of the New York Times, 80 percent of Americans are not meeting the recommended amount of exercise. This means that for anyone who is trying to get the needed amount of physical activity are ahead of most people.

The next expert, nutrition expert Dr. Peter Attia believes that the wrong question is being asked. It's not about what the most efficient form of exercise is, it's about what the person's desired outcome of that exercise is. The rest of the show looks at exercise to increase longevity.

Reynolds believes the squat is the best exercise for longevity. This exercise uses muscles you need to get up out of a chair.

"One of the best indicators of whether you will be independent well into your twilight years is if you can get up out of a chair." --Gretchen Reynolds

 Another expert, David Meltzer of the University of Chicago says the intensity of exercise is measured by the number of calories burned. This is given a score called the metabolic equivalent score. For example, running is a 10, golfing is a 4.5 and resting is a 1.

The experts suggest three I's to the most efficient and cost effective exercising. The first is intensity. Reynolds suggests exercising very hard for a brief period, resting, then going hard again will yield the same results as moderate exercise for two hours. Attia mentions individualization, meaning that only certain exercises will work for certain people. They all agree on the third "I, I...like to do it. The exercise has to be something you will stick with.