Selecting and Effectively Using a Walking Program

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Selecting and Effectively Using a Walking Program Selecting and Staying Active Pays Off! If you answered yes to one or more questions, if you are over 40 years of age and have been Effectively Using Those who are physically active tend to live inactive, or if you are concerned about your longer, healthier lives. Research shows that PROGRAM health, consult a physician before .taking a even moderate physical activity — such as 30 fitness test or substantially increasing your minutes a day of brisk walking — significantly physical activity. If you answered no to each contributes to longevity. A physically active question, then it’s likely that you can safely person with such risk factors as high blood begin fitness testing and training. A Walking pressure, diabetes or even a smoking habit can get real benefits from regular physical activity as part of daily life. About Walking Program Walking is something that most people do every As many dieters have found, exercise can help day. It is one of the simplest and least you stay on a diet and lose weight. Regular expensive options available to increase your exercise can also help lower blood pressure, physical activity level and improve your overall control blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels health. Walking is also a weight-bearing and build stronger, denser bones. exercise that helps maintain bone density and is easy on the joints Walking at a brisk pace is The First Step generally considered moderate-intensity physical activity, and doing this most days of Before you begin an exercise program, take a the week for 30 minutes or more enables you to fitness test, or substantially increase your level meet the criteria for physical activity for health of activity, and make sure to answer the benefits recommended by ACSM and the following questions. This physical activity American Heart Association (Haskell et al., readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q) will help 2007). Completing 30 minutes or more of determine your suitability for beginning an activity can be achieved in one exercise bout or exercise routine or program. accumulated in multiple, shorter bouts of 10-15 minutes each. • Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition or that you should participate in Just becoming active (i.e., getting off the couch) physical activity only as recommended by a significantly reduces risk for cardiovascular doctor? disease, Type II diabetes, obesity and other • Do you feel pain in your chest during physical diseases. Research has shown that both adults activity? and children who are physically active and/or • In the past month, have you had chest pain have high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness when you were not doing physical activity? have a much lower risk for disease and • Do you lose your balance because of dizziness? premature death even if they are carrying extra Do you ever lose consciousness? body weight and/or body fat. Adopting and • Do you have a bone or joint problem that maintaining a physically active lifestyle is one of could be made worse by a change in your the keys to good health and weight physical activity? maintenance, and walking is an easy way to • Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs for become and stay active for life. your blood pressure or a heart condition? • Do you know of any reason you should not participate in physical activity? ACSM… Ad vancing Heal th through Science, Fitness and Medicine ACSM… Ad vancing Health through Science, Fitness and Medicine In addition, walking works several major muscle 1. Is this a good time for me to start previously noted, clothing should be selected to groups of the body – the knee extensors exercising? If not, when is a good time for provide protection from the elements (a hat to (quadriceps), hip extensors (hamstrings and me to start? shield you from the sun and/or retain body heat, gluteal muscles), and muscles of the lower legs If this is a time that is unusually busy for you or a wind or rain jacket, sunglasses and (gastrocnemius and soleus in the back, anterior you don’t feel ready to start a walking program, sunscreen, etc.). If you walk at dawn, dusk, or tibialis on the front, and arch muscles in the you might identify a good time to start, such as at night, wear light-colored reflective clothing to feet). These muscles help pump blood back to after a work deadline has passed or when you be more easily seen. Additional items to use the heart, and exercising them improves have childcare available, if applicable. Actually, when walking are a watch (especially circulation, muscular endurance, and dynamic there is no time like the present to begin, but convenient if it has a stop-watch or timing balance. you might need to resolve some commonly function) and a good pedometer (see additional regarded obstacles to starting your program, information regarding pedometers later in this What Do I Need to Start a such as lack of time, feeling too tired, having brochure). care giving responsibilities, or not having a Walking Program? good place to walk. To cope with these 3. Where can I walk safely? First of all, you need a pair of well-fitted walking obstacles, identify a specific time or times in Does my neighborhood have sidewalks and shoes with a flexible sole that provide good arch your day and week and schedule time to walk, well-lit areas in which to walk? If not, are there support and adequate cushion for your heel. develop social support (walk with a significant facilities nearby in which I can walk (parks, Look for shoes with a toe box wide enough to other/spouse, family member, or friend), get recreational facilities, malls, etc.)? Many allow toes to wiggle freely with about ½ inch assistance to free up some time to walk, and shopping malls have special hours when they between the toes and end of the shoe. There locate a safe place in which to walk (outdoors are open for walkers prior to shopping hours. are many companies that make shoes and/or indoors). In addition, if you have care Walking around a mall perimeter is also an specifically for walking. However, cross-training giving responsibilities, you could push a child in option. Parks and schools may offer walking and running shoes will also provide more arch a stroller or a disabled adult in a wheelchair. By trails or outdoor tracks for walking. In addition, support, motion control, and cushion than doing this, you engage the other person and airports are great places in which to walk while fashion-type sneakers and street shoes. Good enhance his/her quality of life as well as yours, waiting for planes to arrive or depart. footwear is of primary importance since ground because you are taking care of yourself by reaction forces involved in walking are first being physically active. Per-Olaf Åstrand, a Developing a Walking Program experienced by the bones, ligaments, muscles, well-known physiologist, researcher, and The following questions should be considered and other support structures of the feet before exercise enthusiast throughout his life, has when developing a walking program: being transferred to the knee, hip and lower encouraged everyone to walk their dog, and if back. Specifically designed shoes appropriate one does not have a dog, he suggests getting 1. How much time do I have available to for waking can be found at retail locations that one or borrowing one from someone else! A spend walking each day? specialize in athletic footwear. Other than that, moderate walking program will help reduce For health benefits, walking can be done in one loose-fitting, comfortable clothing appropriate fatigue and leave you feeling refreshed. bout each day or accumulated in shorter bouts. for the weather conditions (i.e., sun, wind, rain, Walking could be done early in the day before cold/heat) and, perhaps, sunscreen and 2. Am I prepared to start a walking program? beginning work or other responsibilities, during sunglasses are all that are needed to start a Do I have good footwear and comfortable work breaks or lunchtime, or after work or walking program. See the Selecting and clothing in which I can walk? dinner. Consider what time during the day Effectively Using Clothing for Inclement As mentioned earlier, good footwear with arch works best for you to get in some walking and Weather brochure for more information on what support, cushion impact, and motion control (if to establish a walking habit. to wear for outdoor activities. you pronate or supinate your feet when you walk) is the most important piece of equipment 2. How far or long should I walk? The following questions should be considered needed to start a walking program. Additional If you are walking at a brisk pace when preparing to start a walking program: clothing should be comfortable, allow freedom (approximately 3-4 mph for most people), you of movement, and can be layered to maintain a will cover 1-2 miles in 30 minutes. ACSM relatively constant body temperature. As recommends participating in walking or other moderate intensity exercise for 30 minutes or Walking Technique to Steps per day Activity Level more, most days of the week for health benefits. <5,000 Sedentary For weight loss, 45-60 minutes of moderate Increase Energy 5,000-7,499 Low Active intensity activity is recommended per day, and 7,500-9,999 Somewhat Active 60-90 minutes per day for weight maintenance. Expenditure 10,000-12,500 Active Start slowly and build up to maintain your Maintain good posture and walk with a >12,500 Highly Active motivation and avoid overuse injuries such as “purpose.” Keep your spinal column erect, chin shin splints and plantar fasciitis in the arches of slightly up, shoulders relaxed and back a little, *Developed by C.
Recommended publications
  • Walking and Jogging for Fitness
    GALILEO, University System of Georgia GALILEO Open Learning Materials Nursing and Health Sciences Open Textbooks Nursing and Health Sciences Spring 2018 Walking and Jogging for Fitness Scott Flynn Georgia Highlands College, [email protected] Lisa Jellum Georgia Highlands College, [email protected] Jonathan Howard Georgia Highlands College, [email protected] Althea Moser Georgia Highlands College, [email protected] David Mathis Georgia Highlands College, [email protected] See next page for additional authors Follow this and additional works at: https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/health-textbooks Recommended Citation Flynn, Scott; Jellum, Lisa; Howard, Jonathan; Moser, Althea; Mathis, David; Collins, Christin; Henderson, Sharryse; and Watjen, Connie, "Walking and Jogging for Fitness" (2018). Nursing and Health Sciences Open Textbooks. 3. https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/health-textbooks/3 This Open Textbook is brought to you for free and open access by the Nursing and Health Sciences at GALILEO Open Learning Materials. It has been accepted for inclusion in Nursing and Health Sciences Open Textbooks by an authorized administrator of GALILEO Open Learning Materials. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Authors Scott Flynn, Lisa Jellum, Jonathan Howard, Althea Moser, David Mathis, Christin Collins, Sharryse Henderson, and Connie Watjen This open textbook is available at GALILEO Open Learning Materials: https://oer.galileo.usg.edu/health-textbooks/3 Open Textbook Georgia Highlands College UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA Scott Flynn, Lisa Jellum, Althea Moser, Jonathan Howard, Sharryse Henderson, Christin Collins, Amanda West, and David Mathis Walking and Jogging for Fitness Walking and Jogging for Fitness Scott Flynn, Lisa Jellum, Althea Moser, Jonathan Howard, Sharryse Henderson, Christin Collins, Amanda West, and David Mathis 1.
    [Show full text]
  • FITT Principle for Cardiovascular Fitness Cardiovascular Fitness Relates to the Body’S Ability to Generate Energy and Deliver Oxygen to Working Muscles
    Cardiovascular Fitness—Activity 1 Name ________________________________________________ Date _________________ Class Period ___________ FITT Principle for Cardiovascular Fitness Cardiovascular fitness relates to the body’s ability to generate energy and deliver oxygen to working muscles. It is considered the most important component of physical fitness and is one of the best indicators of overall health. Aerobic exercises are best for developing cardiovascular fitness. Aerobic means “with oxygen” and includes continuous activities that use oxygen. Walking, biking, jogging, skating, or rowing are just a few examples of aerobic activities. Aerobic activities strengthen the heart and lungs, and make your working muscles more efficient at using oxygen. They also increase stroke volume (amount of blood pumped per heartbeat) and lower your resting heart rate to an average of 72 BPM (beats per minute). A resting heart rate varies. However, the lower your resting heart rate, the more efficient your heart is working. One long-term result of regular aerobic activity is cardiovascular endurance, sometimes called cardio-respiratory endurance. This is the ability of the body to work continuously for extended periods of time. Those who have a high level of cardiovascular fitness have lowered risks of adult lifestyle diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Cardiovascular endurance increases your chances for living a longer and healthier life. It is important to know your FITT Principles so that you gain health benefits for your heart. Figure 3.1 illustrates the different FITT Principles. Figure 3.1 FITT Principle Table Beginner 3–5 days per week F Frequency of exercise How Often Moderate to High 5–7 days per week Beginner Less than 145 BPM I Intensity of exercise How Hard Moderate to High 145–186 BPM Beginner 20–30 minutes Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • Swimming Health
    Swimming can offer anyone of any age a huge range of benefits. Feel stronger, healthier and happier. Swimming for fitness and health INSIDE Swimming offers 8 BENEFITS something OF AQUATIC FITNESS no other aerobic exercise does. DR. RICK MCAVOY PT, DPT, CSCS Ever see a flabby dolphin 14 or a weak-looking competitive swimmer? We didn’t think so. POUNDS That’s because swimming is a Water’s buoyancy virtually great way to increase muscular eliminates the effects of gravity strength and muscle tone – – supporting 90 percent of especially compared to several the body’s weight for reduced other aerobic exercises. impact and greater flexibility. Take running, for example. For example, a 140 lb person When a jogger takes a few laps weighs only 14 lbs in the water. around the track, that jogger Water acts as a cushion for the is only moving his or her body body’s weight-bearing joints, through air. A swimmer, on 30 minutes reducing stress on muscles, the other hand, is propelling The American Heart Association reports tendons and ligaments. As a himself through water – a that just 30 minutes of exercise per result, aquatic workouts are low substance about twelve times day, such as swimming, can reduce impact and can greatly reduce as dense as air. That means coronary heart disease in women by 30 the injury and strain common to 1 that every kick and every arm to 40 percent. most land-based exercises.1 stroke becomes a resistance exercise – and it’s well known that resistance exercises are Unlike exercise the best way to build muscle machines in a tone and strength.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Aerobic Exercises in the Training for Muscle Definition in Bodybuilding
    STUDIA UBB EDUCATIO ARTIS GYMN., LVIII, 2, 2013, pp. 15-24 (RECOMMENDED CITATION) THE ROLE OF AEROBIC EXERCISES IN THE TRAINING FOR MUSCLE DEFINITION IN BODYBUILDING CĂTĂLIN OCTAVIAN MĂNESCU1 ABSTRACT. Physical activities daily become more important for everybody’s life, so the bodybuilding can’t be different. It provide a pleasure spent of the free time together with the maintaining of a healthy life, but it also give us the personal dignity and respect for ourselves. It is nice to see muscle, but is nicer to have muscle. The article is trying to prove the role aerobic exercises have in the training for muscle definition in bodybuilding and to demonstrate the benefits of it: the athlete will be healthier, more in shape and one of the most important things that a bodybuilder wants, to look even more muscular. Keywords: bodybuilding; muscle definition; aerobic exercises; muscularity. REZUMAT. Rolul exercițiilor aerobe în antrenamentul de definire musculară în culturism. Activitățile fizice devin pe zi ce trece din ce în ce mai importante în viața fiecărui individ, iar în mod special, culturistul nu poate fi altfel. Alături de menținerea unui stil de viață sănătos, ne oferă atât un mod plăcut de petrecere a timpului liber, cât și respectul și demnitatea personală față de noi înșine. Este plăcut să vezi mușchi, dar este și mai plăcut să îi ai. Articolul încearcă să arate rolul pe care îl joacă utilizarea exercițiilor aerobe în antrenamentul de definire musculară în culturism și să demonstreze beneficiile acestora: sportivul va fi mai sănătos, într-o formă fizică mai bună și, unul din cele mai importante lucruri pe care un culturist le dorește, să arate mult mai musculos.
    [Show full text]
  • Exercising with Asthma
    Exercising with Asthma Asthma is one of the most common respiratory disorders. It affects about 22 million Americans. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. It causes episodes of difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These episodes vary in severity and duration. Most occur at night and early morning. As you become more fit, you will be less breathless during the same amount of exercise. Research also indicates that exercise reduces airway swelling and lowers the severity and frequency of symptoms. This results in fewer emergency department visits and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Overall, your quality of life will improve. How much exercise do you need? The most health benefit comes when inactive people become moderately active. Try to work up to 150 minutes of brisk walking a week. Making exercise a regular part of your life can have a major impact on your health. Just starting out? Begin with aerobic exercise. Over time, add resistance workouts. People with asthma on prolonged oral moodboard/Thinkstock corticosteroid treatment may experience some muscle wasting. For some people, aerobic exercise may trigger an asthma attack. This causes reduced strength, especially in the lower limbs. They react by avoiding exercise. As a result, their fitness gets If this is the case, then you may need to start with strength worse, and symptoms may occur with even lower levels of training. Despite which type you begin with, aim to do both. physical activity. Exercise can help control the frequency and This will bring even more benefits for your overall health and severity of these asthma episodes, however.
    [Show full text]
  • Your Heart Rate and Aerobic Exercise
    YOUR HEART RATE AND AEROBIC EXERCISE Why Monitor Your Heart Rate (pulse)? During aerobic exercise, your heart beats faster to supply more blood and oxygen to the working muscles in your body. Your heart rate during exercise indicates if you, your muscles, and your heart are working at the proper level. To get the most out of your aerobic exercise program, you should select a target heart rate range and take your pulse both during and after exercise. Target Heart Rate Ranges FINDING YOUR PULSE Values in this chart are pulse counts for 10 You can measure your pulse at two places. Your radial seconds pulse is found by placing the pads of your first and middle fingers on your wrist (palm facing up) just above % of Maximum Heart Rate the base of the thumb. Or, you can measure your carotid AGE pulse by placing the same two fingers lightly on your 55 60 70 80 90 neck midway between your Adam’s apple and your ear lobe, just below your jawbone. 20 18 20 23 27 30 COUNTING YOUR PULSE 25 18 20 23 26 29 1. Stop exercising 30 17 19 22 25 29 2. Find your pulse (using the method above) 3. Count the number of beats you feel for 10 seconds 35 17 19 22 25 28 4. Resume exercise, changing the level of effort as 40 16 18 21 24 27 needed 5. Re-check your pulse 2-3 times during exercise 45 16 18 20 23 26 USING YOUR TARGET HEART RATE RANGE 50 16 17 20 23 26 This table shows your target heart rate range numbers for a 10-second count.
    [Show full text]
  • Ultimate Muscle Building Systems Training Manual5000
    ULTIMATE MUSCLE BUILDING SYSTEMS TRAINING MANUAL5000 your road to muscle building success starts here... ULTIMATE MUSCLE BUILDING SYSTEMS TRAINING MANUAL All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise Copyright © 1993, 1998, 2010, 2014 Ripfast® Corporation. All rights reserved. The material in this publication is copyrighted and reproduction in whole or in part in any manner or form is strictly prohibited. RIPFAST MISSION STATEMENT For Ripfast to be the sports nutrition company of choice for body builders, athletes and fitness enthusiasts across the globe, whilst vigorously maintaining our quality, honesty and integrity. To develop and market safe, effective, strong supplements, with the highest quality ingredients in the world. To surpass our customers’ highest expectations from our supplements and training systems. To earn the trust and loyalty of our customers and staff. Treating them as the most important people in the world. Committing ourselves to helping them achieve their fitness goals. To continually innovate. Nutritional science is constantly evolving, to be constantly developing cutting edge formulas that deliver performance benefits never before seen in nutritional supplements. For our research and development staff to only formulate products that deliver results. We refuse to mislead our customers. If there is not substantial research to support the effectiveness of a product, you won’t see it in the Ripfast line. www.ripfast.com WARNING: YOU HOLD IN YOUR HANDS THE MOST POWERFUL MUSCLE BUILDING SYSTEM IN THE WORLD. IN TWO HOURS, AFTER TAKING IN THE FOLLOWING PRECIOUS INFORMATION ALONG WITH THE STATE OF THE ART SCIENTIFICALLY ENGINEERED TRAINING PROGRAM, YOU’LL BE READY TO CHANGE YOUR BODY.
    [Show full text]
  • American Council on Exercise Acefia Non-Profitt Organizationnmamaestterstterss
    Volume 14 • Issue 4 • september/october 2008 • $5.00 American Council on Exercise ACEfiA Non-profitt Organizationnmamaestterstterss Drop and give me 20! Exclusive ACE study investigates the fitness benefits of popular boot camp–style workouts LETTER FROM THE EDITOR got a late start on my spring cleaning this year. As I write this letter, August is more than half over and I’ve spent much of the month clearing out drawers and closets and making countless trips to the Salvation Army to drop off donations. ITalk about cleansing—I’ve reached that point in my life where I actually derive more pleasure from getting rid of stuff than I do from acquiring new things. And, according to at least one recent diet book, clearing out the clutter in my home may offer the added benefit of helping me get rid of extra pounds. The notion that too much stuff equals too much fat is just one of many novel (and some not-so-novel) ideas presented in a slew of new diet books. This is the time of year when publishers start sending out advance copies of their new re- leases and the stack on my desk seems to grow daily. Some titles appeal to our belief that other people know the secret to staying slim, such as those who live on Park Avenue or work on Wall Street. Others claim to have found the elusive magic bullet, which is really just a dietary supplement they’re selling (because that’s where the real money is). And still others revisit familiar territory, such as low-carb, low-fat or good old-fashioned calorie counting.
    [Show full text]
  • Swimming: Preferable Aerobic Exercise for Younger Population
    International Journal of Physiology, Nutrition and Physical Education 2018; 3(2): 770-772 ISSN: 2456-0057 IJPNPE 2018; 3(2): 770-772 © 2018 IJPNPE Swimming: preferable aerobic exercise for younger www.journalofsports.com Received: 16-05-2018 population - enhances memory Accepted: 17-06-2018 Varsha SV Varsha SV Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Abstract Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Science and Research Compared to other exercises, swimming does not cause too much pressure on the body and it can be Centre, Tumakuru, Karnataka, enjoyed by anyone regardless of his/her gender. Animal models have shown that Regular physical India exercise particularly swimming promotes enhancement of memory. But study on humans to study the effect of swimming on memory are lacking. And since Pre university education is the important stage of a student’s life which demands good memory and cognitive abilities, this study was done to assess the effect of swimming on memory among Pre-university students. Pre-university students who regularly swim at least 30 min for 4 days a week from past 1 yr and students who are non swimmers were tested for Working (short term) and long term memory with Buschke Selective Reminding Test (SRT). Results indicated that subjects who used to swim regularly had better overall memory and long term memory storage than non swimmers, might be due to the effect on neuro-chemical processes, structure and function of hippocampus. Keywords: Swimming, exercise, students, memory, hippocampus 1. Introduction Memory refers to the complex processes by which the individual encodes, stores, and retrieves information [1]. The benefits of exercise and physical fitness on mental health and cognitive performance are [2, 3] well documented .
    [Show full text]
  • MACWARD BOUND Fitness Handout
    MACWARD BOUND Fitness and Self Care Mental Preparation While there are countless studies that link benefits to spending time in nature, and physical activity like backpacking, we understand that for many this may be an overwhelming experience, or one that is completely out of your comfort zone. Remember that self-care and mental health are important while on trail, and that you can always reach out for help. Our leaders are there to listen and are knowledgeable about on-campus resources you can seek once back at Macalester. Here are a few things to think about in terms of your mental preparation for the trip: Nutrition Both before and during the trip, proper nutrition is key. Make sure your diet is balanced between proteins and complex carbohydrates. This will give you lots of energy while on the trail. Consider cutting out unhealthy foods in preparation for the withdrawal symptoms your body may experience while on trail. Sleep Getting good sleep for the days leading up to the trip as well as on the trip are critical for a more positive outlook and a better overall experience. If possible, go camping and practice sleeping on the ground/in a sleeping bag so you know what to expect, or set yourself up for a more comfortable night's sleep by bringing earplugs or a small eye-mask. Demeanor Your attitude and openness to new experiences, people, and situations will be a factor in your success on the trip. Be ready to be a member of a team and adopt a positive and flexible mindset for your expectations, considering things often can look different than you thought or not go as planned.
    [Show full text]
  • Aerobic Walking Course Syllabus Whitney High School Physical Education Elective
    Aerobic Walking Course Syllabus Whitney High School Physical Education Elective Mr. Marc Rubalcaba [email protected] 916 632-6500 Ext.6657 Class Materials/Fees: A hat and sunscreen for sun protection is highly recommended A water bottle is highly recommended for hydration during the walks Comfortable yet supportive tennis shoes for walking or light jogging is recommended Course Content/Description: This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to develop a fitness workout plan through the activities of walking and aerobic exercise. Students will participate in a low impact form of exercise that is life-long. The walking routes are off campus and therefore students not dressing down will be expected to walk with the class in street clothes. The routes vary in distance and usually range from 1 to 3 miles. The instructor will be walking with the class at all times. State Standards: Standard 1: 1.2 1.8 1.12 Standard 2: 2.1 2.2 2.5 Standard 3 3.1 3.2 3.4 See attached page for complete WHS Physical Education State Standards Alignment Grading: Percent Cooper’s Walk Test: Daily Points 90-100 A Under 38 minutes - (50/50) 10 - Dress 80-89 B Under 40 minutes - (45/50) 10 - Participation 70-79 C Under 42 minutes - (40/50) Under 45 minutes - (35/50) Under 48 minutes - (20/50) Over 48 minutes - NC **All cooper’s walking test given by the instructor are essential skills and must be completed in order to pass. Below 70% will result in a NO CREDIT Essential Skills: Dress in appropriate WHS PE clothes Regular attendance and on task at all times Active participation at all times Successful completion of all assignments Coopers’ Walking tests given twice every month – MUST BE COMPLETED IN ORDER TO PASS! Correctives: Physical Education will be offered throughout the year.
    [Show full text]
  • Training for Cardiovascular Fitness, Continued
    Training for Cardiovascular Fitness, Continued UNIVERSITY SPORTS MEDICINE Training for Cardiovascular Fitness What’s in it for me? Cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise: • increases your energy and stamina • helps control blood pressure • improves your blood lipid profile (cholesterol) • helps you burn extra calories to maintain an ideal weight. Aerobic power helps an athlete sustain a challenging exercise pace over time. When you get tired, your movements are no longer fluid and efficient. You are more likely to make mistakes or get injured. Even though you can expect benefits from engaging in cardiovascular exercise, not all exercises are suitable or safe for everyone. You should, therefore, consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. The information provided in this handout should not substitute for medical counseling specific to you. What kind of exercise will most improve my cardiovascular fitness? Cardiovascular exercise is any activity that: • involves the large muscles of the body (especially the legs) • is rhythmic and continuous in nature (as opposed to stop-and-start) • challenges your heart and lungs to work harder. Activities like walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, aerobics, rowing, stair climbing, hiking, cross country skiing and many types of dancing are “pure” aerobic activities. Sports such as soccer, basketball, squash and tennis may also improve your cardiovascular fitness. However, endurance training could improve performance in these sports. Athletes typically use three training methods to improve their cardiovascular fitness: • slow to moderate-intensity distance training • moderate to high-intensity interval training • high-intensity continuous exercise. What’s the best type of cardiovascular exercise? The best type is any exercise you enjoy and will continue to do! Select an activity that matches your personal preferences and health and fitness status.
    [Show full text]