Q: Once I leave the gym workout behind and discover natural, functional fitness, I feel overwhelmed with choices. How do I know that a particular exercise or sport or activity is right for me?

A: The first rule of fitness is, do no harm. The better you know your body and your limits, the smarter you'll train. When you're evaluating any exercise regime, here are some questions to ask:

1. Does it engage my body in natural, whole body movements or isolated ones? (i.e. pushups vs. bench press)

2. Can I do it anywhere at any time, or does it make me dependent on a facility or someone else's schedule?

3. Will it contribute to wear and tear on my joints, or will it strengthen and correctly align my tendons, bones and muscles? (For those of you lucky enough not to have injuries and arthritis, you can actually prevent injury - prehabilitate -through correctly performed exercise. One example taught to me by Jon Hinds, former strength coach for the San Diego Clippers: he had his players stand on one foot with their eyes closed for one minute, then the other foot for one minute. Trying to stay balanced strengthened the whole support architecture of the ankles. They didn't have a blown ankle the entire season.)

4. Does the training match my goals? (If I play Ultimate or basketball, I'll want to focus on my vertical leap. If I play golf or tennis, I'll pay more attention on the twisting full body motion of a swing.)

5. Can I modulate the intensity as needed? (Remember that you need to be fit for all the other obligations in your life. Sometimes missing or toning down a playout, while not improving your fitness, will be wise so you can prep for a meeting or go out dancing with your spouse.)

6. Is it fun? Do I look forward to it, or do I need to be "motivated" by nasty notes on the fridge door or personal trainers whose only function is to make me feel bad about missing appointments at the gym? (Please note: I think personal trainers are great, when they know what they're doing and you take advantage of their expertise and ability to give you feedback about form. I don't knock the importance of accountability either. But ultimately, if you've outsourced your inspiration for perspiration, you're in a dependent and vulnerable position. Much better to be fueled by joy than fear.)