Is There a Such Thing as a Single "Best" Exercise?

Hey everyone,

The NY Times Magazine ran this article last weekend...and the question remains....what is really considered to be the "best" exercise?  Although our love for doing burpees is almost as much as we love our husbands, as it turns out, there probably aren't many people who would perform multiple sets of burpees each and every workout. The article states the burpee as being one of the most efficient exercises, however not necessarily effective because they're not enjoyable, except to us :)  After much debate, HIIT (high intensity interval training) seems to take the cake as most efficient and effective. Which leaves us thinking about our perfect workout....HIIT of a variety of burpees :) 

We'd love to hear about your opinion on the most effective and efficient exercises.